Op Savannah Shield: Kwara residents will now sleep better, says Gov AbdulRasaq
…as CDS issues stern warning to terrorists Kwara State Governor AbsulRahman AbdulRasaq said residents of the state will “now sleep better” with the Operationalization of Operation Savannah Shield. The governor
…as CDS issues stern warning to terrorists
Kwara State Governor AbsulRahman AbdulRasaq said residents of the state will “now sleep better” with the Operationalization of Operation Savannah Shield.
The governor was quoted to have said this in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, at the launching of the Operation at the Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, on Thursday.
According to the NAF spokesperson, the launch of the operation was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as well as other senior government officials.
Operation Savannah Shield was initiated in Kwara State following a terrorist attack on Worro 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 governor said the initiative has already brought renewed relief and reassurance to vulnerable communities in the state.
He described the deployment as “strategic, timely and reassuring”, noting that recent escalations in terrorist activities across Kwara North, parts of Kwara South and adjoining communities in Niger State necessitated robust federal intervention.
The governor acknowledged that the improvements recorded in Kwara South was through sustained security efforts. He observed that Kwara North required intensified operations to neutralise emerging threats.
While commending the Armed Forces for their steadfast commitment to restoring peace in the state, AbdulRasaq thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely intervention..
He pledged sustained collaboration between the state government and security agencies to consolidate the gains of the operation.
The governor expressed confidence that the operation would restore public confidence, reinforce peace and stimulate socio-economic recovery.
He highlighted the far-reaching impact of the deployment on food security, noting that key agricultural zones previously disrupted by insecurity would now be secured, enabling farmers to resume full-scale production without fear.
General Oluyede, speaking at the ceremony marking the decoration of the Theatre Commander with the operational insignia and the formal handover of the operation flag, which symbolised the commencement of joint task force operations, underscored the strategic framework of the operation.
In a statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the CDS explains that the mission was intelligence-led and designed with a robust and enduring structure that combines kinetic and non-kinetic lines of effort to achieve sustainable security outcomes.
General Oluyede underscored that Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD was not a routine deployment but a deliberate, well coordinated offensive operation designed to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He affirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are fully prepared to dominate the operational environment, consolidate previous security gains, secure critical agricultural belts and guarantee the protection of lives and property.
The CDS issued a stern warning that forested enclaves and ungoverned spaces hitherto exploited by terrorists would no longer serve as safe havens, as troops will conduct sustained clearance and stabilisation operations across vulnerable corridors within the theatre.
While reassuring citizens of the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces, the CDS urged traditional institutions, youth leaders and community stakeholders to provide credible and timely intelligence, reiterating that national security is a shared responsibility.
In his remarks, Air Marshal Aneke said the joint operation reflects Armed Forces collective determination to deny criminal elements any sanctuary.
He said, “We will dominate the airspace, provide persistent surveillance, and deliver precise air support wherever required.”
Air Marshal Aneke affirmed that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to project smart airpower with precision and purpose, leveraging sustained air presence, intelligence-driven missions and rapid response capabilities to protect lives, secure communities and uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Earlier before joining the Chief of Defence Staff and other dignitaries at the launch of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, the NAF boss paid an operational visit to the 303 Composite Group (CG) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Ilorin, where he assessed the unit’s operational readiness
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During his inspection of operational platforms, maintenance facilities and mission support infrastructure at 303 CG, the Air Marshal Aneke noted that airpower gives the service speed, reach and precision, adding that “when intelligently applied, it becomes a decisive force multiplier in counterterrorism operations.”
Air Marshal Aneke commended personnel for their professionalism and combat preparedness, stressing that “Operational readiness is not a one-time achievement; but a sustained culture.”
He also stressed that achieving operational success requires that “our platforms be serviceable, our intelligence actionable, and our personnel mission-focused at all times.”
The NAF boss assured the unit of continued Headquarters support in logistics, training and welfare to further enhance operational efficiency and responsiveness.
Air Marshal Aneke emphasised the evolving dynamics of asymmetric threats and the imperative for adaptive airpower strategies, and charged personnel to deepen inter-agency cooperation, sustain high morale and uphold discipline, stressing that “vigilance and professionalism remain critical to mission success.”
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Olufemi Oluyede handing over the Operational flag to the Theater Commander Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD Major General Yakubu Yahaya, during the Operationalization of the joint security task force against terrorists in Kwara State. Looking in the.midele is the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, at Sobi Barracks Ilorin.
The Governor of Kwara State Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq decorating the Theater Commander Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD Major General Yakubu Yahaya with the operational insignia during the launch of the Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Ilorin.
