Military dislodges terrorists in Kwara, intensifies operations
…as insurgents issue fresh attack threat The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops under Operation Savannah Shield have dislodged terrorists from identified checkpoints and hideouts in parts of Kwara and
…as insurgents issue fresh attack threat
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops under Operation Savannah Shield have dislodged terrorists from identified checkpoints and hideouts in parts of Kwara and Niger states, thereby restricting their activities in the affected areas.
The military high command disclosed this on Friday in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
Operation Savannah Shield was launched in Kwara State following last week's terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area. The operation was activated after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the deployment of a battalion of troops to the area in the aftermath of the attack in which more than 100 people were reportedly killed.
The DHQ had earlier stated that the operation, which also covers parts of Niger State, is aimed at tracking down the perpetrators of the attack and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
Providing updates on the operation, Maj.-Gen. Onoja said troops conducted coordinated offensive operations across Kwara and Niger states, effectively denying terrorists freedom of action in the region.
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He said: “Significantly, they conducted operations in Borgu and Mokwa Local Government Areas of Niger State, and Baruten, Edu and Ifelodun Local Government Areas of Kwara State.
“In the course of their operations, troops identified terrorist check points and hibernating areas and dislodged them. Troops continue to respond to information of the movement and activities of the terrorist in the area."
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The defence spokesperson also noted that troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East have sustained operational momentum against Boko Haram and its splinter groups, limiting their ability to operate freely across the theatre.
According to him, ground troops, working in synergy with the Air Component, hybrid forces, and local security groups, carried out aggressive and intelligence-driven operations across the region.
“These operations resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists, the arrest of their informants and logistics suppliers, and the recovery of arms and equipment, leading to the dismantling of key terrorist networks,” Onoja said.
In the North West, he said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma killed several terrorists, arrested four suspects, and rescued two kidnapped victims during operations in Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Maru, and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State, as well as Doguwa and Kafur Local Government Areas of Kano and Katsina states. He added that weapons, vehicles, and livestock were also recovered during the operations.
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Onoja further disclosed that troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained operational pressure on criminal elements in the North Central region, neutralising several terrorists, arresting 17 suspects, and rescuing 26 kidnapped victims.
“Troops, while on fighting patrols within the Adonkolo and Kakanda Forests in Lokoja Local Government Areas of Kogi State captured Batijjo's Camp and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, while over 13 kidnapped victims were rescued,” he said.
Meanwhile, tension has gripped parts of Kwara State following a threat letter allegedly issued by a group identifying itself as the National Terrorists Association (NTA), warning of planned attacks on communities in Oyun Local Government Area.
The letter, reportedly addressed to residents of Irra and Aho/Inja in Oyun LGA, has been circulating within the communities, raising security concerns among locals and authorities. In the letter, signed by one Sanufu on behalf of the group, the association issued a direct threat, stating: “message is from NTS. Our motto is 'we kill, kidnap and destroy. No town or place that is sacred for to destroy. We search and gather information before we invade.
“We move from Kaiama to Irra. We had that this town Irra has powerful people to face our organization. Be ready to face is at any time and any day. Noting concerns us about your oracle.”
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In response to the development, the Chairman of Oyun Local Government, Akanbi Kamar Olarewaju, yesterday, convened an emergency security meeting involving security agencies, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders in the area.
Addressing participants at the meeting, Akanbi disclosed that the council had received intelligence regarding the threatening message and was already working with security agencies to verify its authenticity.
According to him, the “council received reports of a letter purportedly written by unknown individuals, claiming they had relocated from Kaiama Local Government and were planning attacks on the Irra and Aho/Inaja axis.”
He explained that although the council “is still working with security agencies to authenticate the source and credibility of the letter, the administration considers it necessary to act proactively in the interest of public safety.”
The council boss urged residents across the local government to remain calm but alert, emphasising the importance of vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activities.
