President Tinubu orders a battalion to Kaiama after the Woro attack, launching Operation Savannah Shield to restore security in Kwara State

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate deployment of a military battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area following the deadly Woro attack that left at least 75 people dead in Kwara State.

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The federal intervention, named Operation Savannah Shield, was announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement posted on X.

The operation includes the appointment of a field commander and aims to restore security and prevent further incursions by armed groups.

The assault occurred late Tuesday in the Woro and Nuku communities, where extremists reportedly carried out coordinated attacks on residents.

“Help is on the way for the beleaguered people of Kaiama and others as President Tinubu orders the deployment of a military battalion, the appointment of a commander and the start of Operation Savannah Shield,” Onanuga stated.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq visited the affected communities on Wednesday night alongside senior security officials and addressed residents at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama.

Governor AbdulRazaq described the killings as a cowardly act by terrorist cells and said the victims were targeted after refusing to yield to extremist teachings.

The governor added that the pattern of the violence marked a disturbing shift from kidnappings and raids to what he termed a pure massacre.

The Woro attack is regarded as one of the deadliest incidents in the state this year and has intensified concerns over the spread of violence from parts of the North West into North Central Nigeria.