Military to deploy special forces to Kwara, Niger
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has announced plans by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to deploy a Joint Special Task Force, code-named Operation Savannah Shield, to flush out terrorists operating in Kwara State and parts of neighbouring Niger State. Oluyede disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2026 budget defence session […]
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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has announced plans by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to deploy a Joint Special Task Force, code-named Operation Savannah Shield, to flush out terrorists operating in Kwara State and parts of neighbouring Niger State.
Oluyede disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2026 budget defence session organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Defence.
He said the operation would involve the deployment of special forces, with resources being redeployed from other theatres to strengthen security in the affected areas.
He said special forces have already been deployed to Benue and Plateau states, while Operation Savannah Shield will be inaugurated soon to specifically address security threats in Kwara and parts of Niger.
While noting the progress made by the Armed Forces in degrading insurgent and bandit groups across the country, Oluyede stressed the need to urgently strengthen the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to consolidate the gains.
He explained that although the military has succeeded in clearing criminal elements from several locations, sustaining peace requires adequately equipping the police and civil defence, which have greater personnel strength and wider community presence.