General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has officially launched the Joint Task Force North Central Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD (OPSS) at 22 Brigade, Sobi Military Cantonment, Ilorin, Kwara State.
Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, announced on Thursday in Abuja.
Maj. Gen. Uba stated that the intelligence-driven joint operation aims to eliminate terrorist networks, kidnapping syndicates, and criminal groups that pose a threat to Kwara State and neighbouring Niger State.
According to the statement, General Oluyede stressed that Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD is not a routine deployment, but rather a deliberate, well-coordinated offensive operation designed to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He affirmed that Nigeria’s Armed Forces are fully prepared to dominate the operational environment, consolidate previous security gains, secure critical agricultural belts, and ensure the safety of people and property.
He issued a stern warning that forested enclaves and ungoverned spaces previously exploited by terrorists would no longer serve as safe havens, as troops would conduct ongoing clearance and stabilisation operations across vulnerable corridors within the theatre.
The CDS reassured citizens of its unwavering commitment, emphasising enhanced inter-agency synergy and joint operational effectiveness to achieve decisive results.
He urged traditional institutions, youth leaders, and community stakeholders to provide credible and timely intelligence, emphasising that national security is a collective responsibility.
He stated that Major General Yakubu Yahaya, the Theatre Commander, will coordinate and oversee the integrated operations in the Joint Operational Area.
Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Executive Governor of Kwara State, described the deployment as strategic, timely, and reassuring.
He stated that the recent escalation of terrorist activities in Kwara North, parts of Kwara South, and neighbouring communities in Niger State required strong federal intervention.
While acknowledging the progress made in Kwara South through sustained security efforts, he noted that Kwara North required intensified operations to counter emerging threats.
The Governor praised the CDS and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt response, expressing confidence that the operation would restore public trust, strengthen peace, and stimulate socioeconomic recovery.
He emphasised the deployment’s far-reaching impact on food security, stating that key agricultural zones previously disrupted by insecurity would now be secured, allowing farmers to resume full-scale production without fear.
Earlier, Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, Chief of Defence Operations, praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their continued collaboration, emphasising the importance of unified command and operational synergy for mission success.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; other service chiefs; heads of security agencies; senior military officers; traditional rulers; and key stakeholders all attended the flag-off ceremony, demonstrating a united national resolve.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute and will stop at nothing to eliminate all terrorists,” he stated.
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