By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has formally launched Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Ilorin, Kwara State, declaring a renewed and coordinated offensive against terrorists and criminal gangs operating in the North Central region.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on Thursday.
The operation was operationalised at the 22 Brigade, Sobi Military Cantonment, Ilorin, and is aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, kidnapping syndicates and allied criminal groups threatening Kwara State and adjoining communities in Niger State.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the CDS described the mission as a deliberate and intelligence-driven joint operation rather than a routine deployment. He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria were fully prepared to dominate the operational environment, consolidate earlier security gains and secure critical agricultural belts to boost food security.
General Oluyede warned that forested enclaves and ungoverned spaces previously exploited by criminal elements would no longer serve as safe havens, as troops would conduct sustained clearance and stabilisation operations across vulnerable corridors within the theatre.
He also emphasised enhanced inter-agency collaboration and called on traditional rulers, youth leaders and community stakeholders to provide timely and credible intelligence, stressing that national security is a collective responsibility. The Theatre Commander, Major General Yakubu Yahaya, he disclosed, would coordinate integrated operations within the Joint Operational Area.
Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, described the deployment as strategic and timely, noting that rising terrorist activities in Kwara North, parts of Kwara South and neighbouring areas of Niger State required decisive federal intervention. He commended the CDS and expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the swift response.
The governor said the operation would help restore public confidence, reinforce peace and stimulate socio-economic recovery, particularly by securing farming communities previously affected by insecurity.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, praised the sustained collaboration among the Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that unified command and operational synergy remain critical to mission success.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, other Service Chiefs, heads of security agencies, senior military officers, traditional rulers and key stakeholders, signalling a unified national resolve to eliminate terrorism and criminality.
