Following the brutal killing of over 100 people in Woro, Kaiama LGA, President Tinubu has launched Operation Savannah Shield
Operation Savannah Shield Swings into Action in Kwara After Deadly Terror Attack Leaves Over 100 Dead
In swift response to last week’s horrific terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State—where more than 100 residents were brutally killed—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate deployment of an entire battalion of troops to the flashpoint zone.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) formally announced the launch of Operation Savannah Shield on Monday, describing it as a targeted, intensive campaign carved out from the existing Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle terrorist enclaves across Kwara and Niger States.
In a statement issued by Defence spokesman Major General Michael Onoja, the military expressed deep condolences to the Kwara State Government and families of the victims killed on February 4, 2026, in Woro and Nuku villages.
“The Chief of Defence Staff wishes to convey his condolences and sympathy to the Government of Kwara State and the families of victims of the killings in Woro and Nuku villages in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State on 4 February 2026.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with other security agencies to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement read.
The DHQ emphasized that the operation aims to “fish out the terrorists who killed people for justice to be served” and create a secure environment free from fear for all Nigerians.
GOC’s On-the-Ground Visit to Woro Also on Monday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, visited the devastated Woro community. He met with the village head, consulted with Senator representing Kwara North, Sen. Suleiman Sadiq Umar, and inspected the site of a mass burial carried out after the massacre.
During the assessment, the GOC made real-time operational adjustments, strengthened troop positions, motivated soldiers to remain vigilant, and reassured residents of the military’s unwavering commitment to their protection.
He later proceeded to Wawa Cantonment in Niger State, where he reviewed security arrangements with the Commanding Officer of 221 Battalion and stressed heightened alertness against bandits and criminal elements—especially in border areas. The visit concluded without incident as he returned to Ilorin.
Nationwide Military Gains This Week The DHQ also highlighted recent operational successes across theatres:
- North East: Over 50 terrorists neutralized, 82 kidnapped hostages rescued, 13 suspects arrested.
- North West: 19 suspected terrorists arrested, 23 hostages rescued.
- North Central: 32 suspects arrested, 22 kidnap victims freed.
- South South: 9 suspected oil thieves and 24 other criminals arrested, 1 kidnap victim rescued.
- South East: 23 terrorists arrested, 6 hostages rescued.
With Operation Savannah Shield now active, military authorities say the focus remains on swift justice for the Woro victims while preventing future attacks in vulnerable border communities of Kwara and Niger States. Read More
