In a decisive move to stem the tide of insurgency, banditry and kidnapping in Kwara State and adjoining areas, the Federal Government has launched a multi-agency security initiative codenamed Operation Savannah Shield.

The operation, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was formally flagged off on Thursday at the Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, by Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

The initiative follows recent deadly attacks in Kaiama axis of Kwara and parts of neighbouring Niger State, which claimed several lives and heightened fears across affected communities.

Speaking at the event, Governor AbdulRazaq described the deployment as a major relief to residents, particularly in Kwara North, which has witnessed an upsurge in banditry over the past year.

He commended the President for what he termed a swift and decisive response to the state government’s distress call, noting that insecurity in the region poses not only a national security threat but also grave implications for food production.

“Banditry and terrorism are not just security concerns; they are threats to food security because the affected areas constitute major farming belts. With this operation, our farmers can begin to feel reassured,” the governor said.

He added that while security agencies had recorded improvements in Kwara South, Kwara North remained a significant challenge, necessitating a more coordinated and sustained intervention.

Earlier, the CDS, General Oluyede, said his visit was to commiserate with the state government over recent incidents and to inaugurate the joint task force aimed at neutralising criminal elements.

According to him, Operation Savannah Shield will comprise components of the Army, Navy and Air Force, operating under a unified command structure to ensure synergy and operational efficiency.

Describing the initiative as a proactive kinetic response, the CDS disclosed that troops would conduct clearance operations in forested and ungoverned spaces, particularly around the Kainji Lake National Park, long suspected to serve as transit and staging grounds for criminal networks.

“The primary mandate is to secure lives and property, neutralise terrorist and criminal elements, dismantle kidnapping networks and restore law and order within the joint operational area,” he stated.

He assured residents that the operation would not be a temporary surge but a structured and sustained campaign, combining kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, including intelligence-driven operations, strategic communication and community engagement.

The defence chief also called on traditional rulers, youth leaders and community stakeholders to provide credible information and support security agencies.

“Security is a shared responsibility. With the cooperation of the people, we will reclaim every community from fear and criminality,” he said.