Police personnel who were previously tasked with VIP protection have been broadly redeployed by the Nigeria Police Force to resume core community policing responsibilities. This strategic shift is intended to significantly improve the security presence in Kwara and other states within the North- Central geopolitical zone, encompassing Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed this development on Friday through an official statement. He indicated that the federal government is intensifying security operations across the North-Central area to ensure the safety of citizens residing in at- risk communities. This intensified effort follows recent deadly terrorist assaults that resulted in the loss of approximately 75 lives in Kwara State.
President Bola Tinubu initiated this comprehensive security mandate, designated as Operation Savannah Shield, when he declared a national security state of emergency on November 26, 2026. The operation involves the deployment of military, police, and national forest guard units to strengthen security infrastructure in the affected regions, supported by advanced intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms.
"President Tinubu has condemned the attacks in Kwara as barbaric and heartless, viewing them as a futile attempt by terrorists to disrupt peace by targeting unarmed individuals. He has ordered that the full force of the government be applied against all elements threatening the nation's tranquility.
"With increased deployments now being executed in communities deemed at risk, President Tinubu is demonstrating a steadfast dedication to protecting Nigerian lives and upholding the fundamental right of every citizen to practice their faith without fear. Enhanced security measures are being put in place around places of worship, including a more visible police presence near churches on Sundays, in close collaboration with local communities and religious leaders," Idris stated.
He further emphasized that President Tinubu has consistently maintained that Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts would be led by Nigerians and driven by national sovereignty. Idris added that the government remains open to broader cooperation, where aligned with national interests, including collaboration with the United States and other partners on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, provided such support serves objectives set by Nigeria, for Nigerians.
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