By Miriam Humbe
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday, 19 February 2025, formally operationalised the Joint Task Force North Central Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD (OPSS) at 22 Brigade, Sobi Military Cantonment, Ilorin, Kwara State.
Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba disclosed this in a statement signed on Thursday.
The intelligence driven joint operation is strategically mandated to decisively dismantle terrorist networks, kidnapping syndicates and allied criminal groups threatening Kwara State and contiguous areas of Niger State.
General Oluyede underscored that Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD is not a routine deployment but a deliberate, well coordinated offensive operation designed to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He affirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are fully prepared to dominate the operational environment, consolidate previous security gains, secure critical agricultural belts and guarantee the protection of lives and property.
He issued a stern warning that forested enclaves and ungoverned spaces hitherto exploited by terrorists will no longer serve as safe havens, as troops will conduct sustained clearance and stabilisation operations across vulnerable corridors within the theatre.
Reassuring citizens of unwavering commitment, the CDS emphasised enhanced inter-agency synergy and joint operational effectiveness aimed at achieving decisive outcomes.
He called on traditional institutions, youth leaders and community stakeholders to provide credible and timely intelligence, reiterating that national security is a shared responsibility.
He disclosed that the Theatre Commander, Major General Yakubu Yahaya, will coordinate and oversee the integrated operations within the Joint Operational Area.
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, described the deployment as strategic, timely and reassuring.
He noted that recent escalations in terrorist activities across Kwara North, parts of Kwara South and adjoining communities in Niger State necessitated robust federal intervention.
While acknowledging improvements recorded in Kwara South through sustained security efforts, he observed that Kwara North required intensified operations to neutralise emerging threats.
The Governor commended the CDS and extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the swift response, expressing confidence that the operation would restore public confidence, reinforce peace and stimulate socio-economic recovery.
He highlighted the far-reaching impact of the deployment on food security, noting that key agricultural zones previously disrupted by insecurity would now be secured, enabling farmers to resume full-scale production without fear.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, lauded the sustained collaboration among the Armed Forces and other security agencies, stressing that unified command and operational synergy remain pivotal to mission success.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, other Service Chiefs, heads of security agencies, senior military officers, traditional rulers and key stakeholders, signalling a unified national resolve.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute and will stop at nothing to eliminate all terrorists.
