President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a deadly terrorist attack that claimed scores of lives.
The directive, announced on Thursday by the Presidency and Kwara State authorities, is part of a new counter-terrorism operation code-named Operation Savannah Shield. The move follows a violent assault on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama LGA on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, during which armed militants killed dozens of residents, razed homes, and abducted several villagers.
Casualty figures from the attack remain uncertain as search and recovery efforts continue. While some officials have confirmed that at least 75 people were killed, other reports suggest the death toll may be higher as investigations progress.
President Tinubu’s order was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the newly deployed military unit will spearhead efforts to confront the militants, secure vulnerable communities, and restore peace in the affected areas.
According to the statement, the deployment includes the appointment of a field commander to oversee Operation Savannah Shield, with troops mandated to flush out terrorists and prevent further attacks.
In a separate statement, the Kwara State Government described the assault as the work of Islamist extremists who allegedly targeted residents for resisting attempts to impose extremist ideology. State officials condemned the killings as a “cowardly expression of terror” and welcomed the federal government’s intervention as critical to stabilising the region.
President Tinubu also condemned the violence and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He called for stronger collaboration between federal and state security agencies to protect lives and ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
The deployment comes amid a wider surge in insecurity across parts of central and northern Nigeria, where repeated attacks by armed groups have continued to raise serious national and international concern.
Blessing Anolaba
Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.
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