Following last week’s deadly terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, Operation Savannah Shield has been deployed and is now fully operational.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the deployment of one battalion of troops to the area after the attack, which claimed the lives of over 100 residents. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated that the operation, which also covers Niger State, aims to track down the terrorists and ensure justice is served.
In a statement, Defence spokesman Major General Michael Onoja highlighted successes recorded by troops in other parts of the country. General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, also visited the Woro community yesterday.
The DHQ expressed condolences to the families of the victims and confirmed that the military is working alongside other security agencies to create a safe environment for all Nigerians.
The statement noted that, following presidential directives, the DHQ, in collaboration with Army Headquarters (AHQ) and other service branches, inaugurated Operation Savannah Shield to conduct intensive security operations in Kwara and Niger States, targeting terrorist enclaves. The operation was carved out from Operation FANSAN YAMMA to strengthen security in the region.
“The Chief of Defence Staff extends his condolences and sympathy to the Government of Kwara State and the families of victims of the Woro and Nuku killings on 4 February 2026. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will collaborate with other security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.
The DHQ also provided an update on military operations nationwide over the past week:
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North East: Over 50 terrorists neutralised, 82 hostages rescued, 13 suspects arrested.
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North West: 19 suspected terrorists arrested, 23 hostages rescued.
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North Central: 32 suspects arrested, 22 kidnap hostages rescued.
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South South: Nine suspected oil thieves and 24 other criminals arrested, one kidnap victim rescued.
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South East: 23 terrorists arrested, six hostages rescued.
During his visit to Woro, Maj.-Gen. Nnebeife held consultations with the village head and Senator representing Kwara North, Sen. Suleiman Sadiq Umar, and inspected the mass burial site as part of efforts to assess the impact of the attack and reassure the community of the military’s commitment.
A source said Nnebeife conducted on-the-spot assessments of troop positions, made operational adjustments, and provided guidance to strengthen security for both military locations and residents. He commended the troops for their efforts, motivating them to remain vigilant and proactive against emerging threats.
The GOC also visited Wawa Cantonment in Niger State to review the security architecture of the cantonment and surrounding areas, emphasizing heightened alertness against bandits and other criminal elements, particularly in border communities. His visit concluded in Ilorin without incident.
