FG Reinforces Security in North Central Region

The Federal Government is ramping up security operations across Nigeria’s North Central zone, following recent terrorist attacks that left about 75 innocent villagers dead in Kwara State.

In a statement, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the launch of Operation Savannah Shield, a renewed offensive involving the military, police, and national forest guard units. The operation falls under the expanded security mandate established by President Bola Tinubu on November 26, 2026, when he declared a state of emergency on national security to strengthen assets in the region.

President Tinubu condemned the Kwara attacks as heartless and emblematic of a desperate campaign by terrorists deliberately targeting soft spots.

The Minister also disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force has executed a large-scale redeployment of officers previously assigned to VIP escort duties. These personnel have now returned to core community policing functions, resulting in measurable security improvements across Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.

Minister Idris reaffirmed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations will remain Nigerian-led and sovereignty-driven. Where appropriate and consistent with national interests, the Government welcomes broad cooperation including from the United States and other partners on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, in support of objectives defined by Nigeria and for Nigerians.