Military Launches Operation Savannah Shield in Kwara, Niger
Abuja — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has launched a new counter-terrorism operation, Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at flushing out terrorist elements operating in Kwara and Niger states.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, said the operation was initiated following a presidential directive and is being executed in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Headquarters and other security agencies.
According to him, Operation Savannah Shield was carved out of Operation Fansan Yamma, which focuses on counter-terrorism efforts in the North-West, and is designed to strengthen security operations in the North-Central region, particularly in Kwara and Niger states.
The operation comes barely a week after terrorists attacked Woro Village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on February 3, 2026, killing over 70 residents. Onoja said troops have since secured the affected community and are conducting clearance and confidence-building patrols to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
Providing updates on nationwide military operations, the DHQ spokesperson said troops sustained intensive clearance and counter-terrorism operations across several theatres during the first week of February 2026, leading to the neutralisation of several terrorists.
In the North-East, he said troops arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier at Jakana Village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Items believed to have been abandoned by terrorists were also recovered during cordon-and-search operations in the Mulumkoloye axis of the same area.
Onoja further disclosed that 700 Nigerian refugees were successfully repatriated from Cameroon through the Banki border in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on January 31, 2026, with troops providing security throughout the exercise.
He added that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, working alongside Nigerian Army Aviation, carried out precision airstrikes on five vehicles suspected to be vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices along the Marguna Road in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State. Battle damage assessments confirmed that the targets were neutralised.
According to the DHQ, a total of 50 terrorists, including a commander identified as Julaibib, were neutralised in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Sambisa Forest, while 128 suspects were arrested and 158 kidnapped victims rescued during the period under review.
In the South-South region, troops of Operation Delta Safe were said to have disrupted oil theft activities and destroyed seven illegal refining sites.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the bravery and professionalism of the armed forces and appreciated public support, stressing the importance of citizens providing timely and credible information to security agencies
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