Tinubu Orders Fresh Security Push in North Central After Kwara Killings

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reinforced security operations across Nigeria’s North Central states following the killing of about 75 villagers in Kwara State, directing that the “full weight of the State” be deployed against those behind the attacks.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Federal Government announced an intensified offensive under the code-named Operation Savannah Shield to protect vulnerable communities in the region.
The statement said the renewed operation involves the deployment of military, police and national forest guard units to strengthen security presence in affected areas. According to the government, the forces are backed by enhanced intelligence capabilities and rapid-response protocols.
The operation, the statement noted, is being carried out under the expanded security mandate established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he declared a state of emergency on national security on November 26, 2026.
President Tinubu condemned the Kwara attacks as “beastly” and “heartless,” describing them as “emblematic of a doomed campaign by terrorists who deliberately target soft subjects.”
“He has directed that the full weight of the State be brought against all actors threatening the peace,” the statement said.
As part of measures to prevent further attacks, the government disclosed that heightened deployments are ongoing in at-risk communities, with enhanced security around places of worship. This includes increased visible security presence around churches on Sundays in coordination with local communities and faith leaders.
The statement further revealed that the Nigeria Police Force has undertaken a large-scale redeployment of officers previously assigned to VIP escort duties. The redeployed personnel have been returned to core community policing functions to boost security visibility.
According to the government, the redeployment has led to measurable improvements in security presence across Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts would remain Nigerian-led and sovereignty-driven. However, the government said it welcomes cooperation from international partners, including the United States, on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support where consistent with Nigeria’s national interest.
The Federal Government said the intensified operations underscore its commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting citizens’ constitutional right to worship freely.