The Defence Headquarters has launched Operation Savannah Shield in Kwara and parts of Niger State following last week’s deadly terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the deployment of a battalion of troops to the area after more than 100 people were killed in the raid.
Defence spokesman Major General Michael Onoja said the new operation will track down and bring to justice the terrorists behind the Woro and Nuku killings. He explained that Operation Savannah Shield was carved out of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to strengthen security in the affected axis.
Onoja condoled with the Kwara State government and families of the victims and pledged that the armed forces will work closely with other security agencies to make communities safe. He said the goal is to create an environment where Nigerians can live and work without fear.
During the week under review, the military recorded gains across several theatres. Troops in the North East killed more than 50 terrorists, rescued 82 kidnap victims and arrested 13 suspected terrorists. In the North West, they arrested 19 terror suspects and freed 23 hostages.
In the North Central region, troops arrested 32 suspects and rescued 22 kidnap victims. In the South South, they arrested nine suspected oil thieves and 24 other crime suspects and rescued one kidnap victim, while in the South East they arrested 23 terrorists and rescued six hostages.
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, also visited Woro community for an on the spot assessment. He met the village head and Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar, inspected the mass burial site and reassured residents of the military’s commitment to their safety.
According to a security source, Nnebeife used the visit to review troop locations and make operational adjustments to better protect both the forces and the host community. He urged soldiers to remain alert and proactive against bandits and other criminal elements, especially in border communities.
The GOC later proceeded to Wawa Cantonment in Niger State to review its security architecture with the commanding officer of 221 Battalion. The visit ended with his return to Ilorin and was described as hitch free.
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