President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approves the deployment of a full battalion of soldiers under Operation Savannah Shield to combat armed banditry in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and the adjoining National Park in Niger State. The move signals a renewed federal push to restore security in communities affected by repeated violent attacks.
Mediaplusng.com reports that Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, announces the approval during an emergency security meeting held at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Omar. The governor, who arrives with top security commanders, says the Federal Government responds decisively to the growing threat posed by armed groups operating across state boundaries.
Governor Abdulrazaq describes the recent killings and abductions in Kaiama axis as “genocide” and assures residents that the joint military operation will dismantle bandit camps and criminal networks within weeks. He states that security agencies have been given clear directives to secure communities, protect lives, and prevent further attacks.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the governor expresses confidence in the capacity of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to neutralise the criminals, stressing that the operation will cover forest corridors linking Kwara and Niger States, which have been used as hideouts by bandits.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Abdulrazaq says the state government is working closely with federal authorities, traditional rulers, and local vigilante groups to ensure accurate intelligence and sustained military presence. He urges residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.
Earlier, the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Omar, recounts the scale of the violence in emotional terms, revealing that about 75 villagers in Woro community were killed during a brutal attack. He explains that the victims were targeted for resisting attempts by bandits to indoctrinate them with teachings described as un-Islamic.
According to the monarch, the attackers opened fire on the villagers after their refusal to cooperate, causing panic and mass casualties. He adds that the bandits also seized two vehicles belonging to the village head, which were allegedly used to transport abducted residents into the forest.
Community sources say several villagers remain missing, with families still searching for loved ones taken during the attack. Local leaders express fear that the number of abducted persons may rise as some areas remain inaccessible due to insecurity.
Security officials at the meeting assure residents that the deployment of Operation Savannah Shield marks a turning point in the fight against banditry in the region. They say the operation will involve coordinated ground patrols, surveillance, and targeted raids on identified criminal enclaves.
Residents of Kaiama and surrounding communities welcome the military intervention, calling it long overdue. Many say sustained security presence is critical to restoring farming activities, reopening local markets, and preventing further displacement of villagers.
The Federal and Kwara State Governments reiterate their commitment to ending banditry and protecting rural communities. Authorities stress that beyond military action, long-term strategies will include intelligence gathering, community engagement, and efforts to block the movement of criminals across state borders.
As troops begin mobilisation, affected communities hope the operation will bring lasting peace, justice for victims, and the safe return of those still missing.
