The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has declared that forested enclaves and ungoverned spaces previously exploited by terrorists will no longer serve as safe havens, as the Armed Forces intensify operations across troubled regions.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Joint Task Force North Central Operation Savannah Shield at the 22 Brigade, Sobi Military Cantonment in Ilorin, Kwara State, Oluyede said troops under the newly launched Operation Savannah Shield would undertake sustained clearance and stabilisation missions across vulnerable corridors.
According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the CDS described the operation as a deliberate and coordinated offensive aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, kidnapping syndicates and allied criminal groups threatening parts of Kwara and neighbouring Niger State.
Oluyede stressed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain prepared to dominate the operational environment, consolidate previous gains, secure key agricultural belts and ensure the protection of lives and property. He also called for stronger inter-agency collaboration and urged traditional rulers, youth leaders and community stakeholders to provide timely intelligence.
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, described the deployment as strategic and timely, noting that escalating attacks in Kwara North and adjoining communities in Niger State necessitated federal intervention. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the swift response and expressed optimism that the operation would restore stability and boost food security in affected farming areas.
Meanwhile, military authorities have launched an investigation into the source of N37 million intercepted by troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, along the Maiduguri–Magumeri Road on February 16, 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed that five suspects arrested in connection with the cash claimed the funds were intended for distribution to vulnerable communities on behalf of an international non-governmental organisation. The suspects and the seized funds remain in custody pending verification to rule out possible links to terrorist financing or diversion of aid.
In a related development, troops acting on intelligence in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State arrested a suspect identified as Mallam Dauda Usman Gubula at Madagali Motor Park. Recovered items reportedly included two aerial drones and 20 solar power banks. The suspect is undergoing further investigation.
Oluyede commended troops for maintaining an aggressive posture against terrorism and banditry, reiterating the Armed Forces’ commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law.
Beyond military operations, security experts have called for broader reforms to address the root causes of insecurity. At the unveiling of his book, “Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths,” security scholar Dr. Mohammed Abubakar advocated compulsory military service to instil patriotism, discipline and national cohesion.
He argued that tackling insecurity requires a blend of increased manpower, modern technology and good governance anchored on accountability and transparency. Citing global governance rankings, he noted that institutional weaknesses and corruption continue to undermine security gains.
Also speaking, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), emphasised that while structured national service could foster unity and civic responsibility, any move toward mandatory service must align with constitutional provisions and fiscal realities. He suggested that hybrid models expanding voluntary reserve participation and civic service could provide a balanced approach.
As security operations intensify across multiple theatres, experts maintain that sustained reforms in governance and institutional capacity will be crucial to achieving lasting peace and stability.
