By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
Barely one week after the deadly terrorist attack on Woro Village in Kwara State, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), alongside the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, has rolled out a new counter-terrorism operation tagged Operation Savannah Shield.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, the new operation was initiated following a Presidential directive aimed at strengthening security across Kwara and Niger States.
Why the New Operation?
Operation Savannah Shield was carved out of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), which currently handles anti-terrorism efforts in the North West. The move is designed to intensify military presence and improve rapid response capabilities in areas increasingly threatened by armed groups.
The development follows the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro Village in Kaiama Local Government Area, where terrorists killed more than 70 residents. Since then, troops have secured the community, carrying out clearance operations and patrols to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
Northeast: Terrorists Neutralised, Arrests Made
In the Northeast theatre of operations, the military reported sustained counter-terrorism activities during the first week of February.
Key outcomes include:
Several terrorists neutralised
One ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier arrested in Jakana Village, Konduga LGA, Borno
Suspected terrorist supplies recovered during search operations
Troops also facilitated the safe repatriation of 700 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon through the Banki border in Bama LGA, providing security throughout the process.
Air Strikes Disrupt Terrorist Movement
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, working with Nigerian Army Aviation, identified five suspected vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) vehicles along Road Marguna in Kaga LGA.
After target confirmation, precision air strikes were carried out.
A battle damage assessment showed:
Vehicles destroyed
Occupants neutralised
Sambisa Operations Yield Results
In the Sambisa and Timbuktu triangle areas:
50 terrorists killed, including a commander known as Julaibib
128 suspects arrested
158 kidnapped victims rescued
Oil Theft Crackdown in the South South
Elsewhere, troops under Operation Delta Safe stepped up the fight against crude oil theft, dismantling seven illegal refining sites during the week.
CDS Urges Public Cooperation
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, praised troops for their bravery and professionalism, while calling on Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies.
He reiterated the military’s public safety message:
“See Something, Hear Something, Say Something.”
The Bigger Picture
With Operation Savannah Shield now active, the military hopes to close security gaps in Kwara and Niger States and prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities. For residents in these regions, the success of the operation could mean safer villages and restored confidence in daily life.
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