Kwara Killings: Tinubu Orders Immediate Military Deployment, Launches Operation Savanna Shield

Kwara Killings: Tinubu Orders Immediate Military Deployment, Launches Operation Savanna Shield

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the deployment of a military battalion to parts of Kwara State following a deadly attack on Kaiama Local Government Area that left scores of residents dead.

The directive includes the appointment of a field commander and the immediate commencement of a military operation tagged Operation Savanna Shield, aimed at restoring security, protecting residents, and preventing further violence in the affected communities.

The development was announced on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

In a post on his official X handle, Onanuga said the President’s intervention was targeted at providing immediate relief to affected communities and strengthening security operations in the area.

The post read: “Help is on the way for the beleaguered people of Kaiama and others as President Tinubu orders the deployment of a military battalion, the appointment of a commander and the start of Operation Savanna Shield.”

The order comes amid renewed shock and grief following the mass killing of residents who reportedly resisted the demands of extremist elements operating in the area.

On Tuesday, a large-scale attack on Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State reportedly resulted in the deaths of 162 people, marking the deadliest violent incident in the state this year.

The figure was confirmed by officials of the Red Cross and local authorities, as residents recounted widespread killings and destruction of property during the assault.

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The Secretary of the Kwara State chapter of the Red Cross, Babaomo Ayodeji, said the verified death toll stood at 162 as of Wednesday afternoon, while a local legislator indicated that the number of casualties could rise further.

A politician from the Kaiama region, Sa’idu Ahmed, said the attackers targeted villagers after the community refused to accept extremist demands.

He disclosed that homes and shops were set ablaze, forcing many residents to flee into surrounding bushes. Several villagers sustained injuries, while others, including the traditional ruler of the community, remained missing as of Wednesday.

Ahmed said he was in the village alongside security personnel, assisting with recovery efforts and searching surrounding areas.

Residents alleged that the assailants were jihadist extremists who had earlier addressed the community, insisting that locals renounce allegiance to the Nigerian government and submit to strict Sharia law.

According to eyewitnesses, the violence began when villagers opposed the demand during a religious gathering.

The commencement of Operation Savanna Shield is expected to significantly boost federal security presence in the region, stabilize affected communities, and prevent further attacks, as residents continue to mourn the victims of the raid.

Later on Tuesday night, President Tinubu issued a statement condemning the attack, describing it as cowardly and brutal, and accusing the perpetrators of deliberately targeting vulnerable civilians in a failed campaign of terror.

According to Onanuga, the President expressed deep anger that community members were killed for rejecting violent extremist indoctrination, choosing instead to practice a form of Islam rooted in peace and tolerance.

The President commended the residents for standing against radical ideology, noting that their refusal reflected courage and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.

Tinubu also called for close cooperation between federal and state agencies to support affected residents and ensure that those responsible for the atrocities are identified and held accountable.

He offered prayers for the souls of the departed, extended condolences to bereaved families, and expressed sympathy to the people and government of Kwara State.

Kwara Killings: Tinubu Orders Immediate Military Deployment, Launches Operation Savanna Shield