By Mercy Peter
The Federal Government has intensified coordinated security operations across Nigeria’s North Central region.
This follows the recent deadly terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of about 75 villagers in Kwara State.
President Bola Tinubu ordered a reinforcement of Operation Savannah Shield, a multi-agency security offensive designed to stabilise vulnerable communities and dismantle terror networks operating within the region.
In a statement issued in Abuja on February 13, 2026, the government described the recent attacks in Kwara as “cowardly” and “beastly,” vowing that those responsible would face the full force of the law.
The renewed push under Operation Savannah Shield involves expanded deployment of military troops, the Nigeria Police Force, and national forest guard units to strategic flashpoints across the North Central states.
Security authorities said the reinforced operations are backed by upgraded intelligence-gathering capabilities, improved inter-agency coordination, and rapid-response mechanisms to counter emerging threats.
The measures fall within the broader security mandate set by the President when he declared a state of emergency on national security on November 26, 2026, aimed at recalibrating Nigeria’s counter-terrorism architecture.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to restore peace and uphold citizens’ constitutional rights, particularly the right to life and freedom of worship. As part of immediate protective steps, security has been heightened around places of worship and other soft targets, with increased patrols and visible security presence in churches and community centres, particularly on weekends.
Further strengthening the operational framework, the Nigeria Police Force has undertaken a sweeping redeployment of officers previously assigned to VIP escort and non-core duties.
The redeployed personnel have been reassigned to frontline community policing responsibilities, significantly boosting manpower in Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory. Officials say the move has already resulted in improved patrol visibility and faster response times in identified at-risk communities.
The President reiterated that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts will remain Nigerian-led and sovereignty-driven, guided strictly by national interest.
he noted that where necessary, the government remains open to strategic cooperation with international partners, including the United States, particularly in the areas of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance — provided such collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s defined objectives.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who signed the statement, said the latest measures demonstrate the administration’s resolve to consolidate security momentum in the North Central corridor.
He assured Nigerians that sustained offensives and strategic restructuring of security deployments would continue until terror networks are decisively dismantled and peace fully restored across the region.
