Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a brutal series of overnight attacks by suspected Boko Haram militants that left scores of villagers dead and communities traumatised. The directive, announced by the presidency on Thursday, also ushers in a focused military campaign dubbed Operation Savannah Shield, intended to suppress extremist violence and provide security for vulnerable rural settlements in the region.
Security officials and state authorities say the assaults, which began on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, targeted the neighbouring villages of Woro and Nuku, both situated near the border with the Republic of Benin. The attacks involved indiscriminate gunfire, burning of homes and property, and reportedly the rounding up of civilians who resisted the militants’ attempts to enforce ideological indoctrination. At least 75 victims have been officially confirmed dead, with additional casualties feared as local rescue and verification efforts continue.
President Tinubu’s decision to deploy an army battalion and appoint a field commander underscores the gravity of the situation. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president condemned the violence as “cowardly and beastly,” expressing deep outrage that soft‑target villagers, including women and children, were deliberately targeted after rejecting the extremists’ attempts to impose radical beliefs on them. He lauded the villagers for upholding peaceful and non‑violent interpretations of their faith, even in the face of lethal pressure.
Operation Savannah Shield, as outlined by the presidency, is intended to bolster the existing security presence in the affected axis, flush out militant elements entrenched in forested corridors of northern Kwara, and safeguard communities that have witnessed a recent escalation in attacks. The operation will be conducted in close cooperation with federal and state security agencies to ensure tactical coordination, intelligence sharing and swift humanitarian response where necessary.
The president also urged enhanced collaboration among federal and state authorities to provide immediate succour to affected families and community members, and to ensure that those responsible for the atrocities are held accountable under the law. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Kwara State, and its government, reiterating the federal government’s commitment to restoring security and normalcy in the region.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has echoed the president’s sentiments, describing the massacre as an attempt by extremist cells to distract security forces amid ongoing counter‑terrorism operations elsewhere. He confirmed the figure of 75 confirmed deaths in the initial assault and condemned the killings as unjustifiable acts of violence against peaceful villagers. The governor has pledged full support for the military’s strengthened presence and called for sustained federal engagement to contain further threats.
Eyewitness reports and humanitarian assessments indicate that the attackers—believed to be operatives of Boko Haram or Islamist affiliates—traveled on foot and in vehicles through the villages, opening fire on residents and burning structures shortly after sundown. Survivors described scenes of chaos and frantic flight, with families scattered into surrounding bushland in attempts to escape the violence. The assault marks one of the most severe security breaches in Kwara State this year and a troubling expansion of extremist activity beyond the northeast, where Boko Haram has long been active.
Local traditional rulers and community leaders have condemned the onslaught, stressing that many victims were simple farmers and traders who had no affiliation with militant groups. The Emir of Kaiama and other traditional figures have called for urgent reinforcement of security in remote communities and for sustained engagement with local residents to rebuild trust and resilience after the tragedy.
Security analysts note that the attackers appeared to have chosen soft targets, intending to punish villagers who resisted their overtures and enforce compliance through fear and brutality. Such tactics are consistent with evolving patterns of violence across northwest and north‑central Nigeria, where armed groups have increasingly moved into territories previously considered relatively safe, exploiting porous borders and gaps in security coverage.
The Nigerian Army and other security agencies have mobilised assets to track down the perpetrators, secure vulnerable communities, and prevent similar attacks in neighbouring areas. The involvement of a dedicated battalion under Operation Savannah Shield is expected to enhance the capacity of troops on the ground to respond more effectively to militant movements. Federal and state authorities are also coordinating humanitarian assistance for survivors, including medical care, temporary shelter and psychological support for those displaced by the violence.
The devastating attacks in Kwara come amid a broader national context of complex security threats, including insurgency, banditry and communal clashes that have affected multiple regions in Nigeria. The government’s strategic response, including the deployment of military resources and concerted counter‑terrorism operations, reflects an acknowledgment of the need for proactive measures to prevent further loss of life and to strengthen protective mechanisms for rural populations.
As investigations continue, authorities have pledged to provide regular updates on operational developments, casualty figures and measures taken to bring those responsible to justice. The situation remains dynamic, with military operations underway and community recovery efforts expected to unfold in the coming days and weeks.
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