Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD has
continued to demonstrate remarkable vigilance and operational effectiveness in
denying terrorists freedom of action across Kwara and Niger States, according
to a statement released on Friday, 20 February 2026 by the Director of Defence
Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
The operation which is operating in challenging
terrain characterized by dense forests and porous border areas often exploited
by terrorist groups for ambushes and abductions, the troops maintained
proactive dominance through coordinated offensive operations built on rapid
response and community-sourced intelligence.
A standout incident occurred on 16 February
2026 when troops, working in close collaboration with local vigilantes and
Forest Rangers, responded to a distress call about a terrorist attack on Motoku
village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State. The joint team pursued
the fleeing terrorists into the surrounding bush, recovered two motorcycles the
attackers had seized from villagers, and forced the terrorists to abandon their
loot and retreat deeper into Roguwa Forest. The swift intervention prevented
further casualties and protected the community.
Building on this success, troops conducted
follow-up clearance operations in Edu and Ekiti LGAs of Kwara State and Borgu
LGA in Niger State, dismantling suspected terrorist enclaves and transit
routes. The combined efforts yielded significant results: five terrorists were
arrested, seven kidnapped victims were rescued and safely reunited with their
families, and various arms and ammunition were seized, denying the terrorists
the means to carry out future attacks.
These achievements highlight the Nigerian Armed
Forces’ growing mastery of asymmetric warfare through intelligence-led
operations, effective civil-military cooperation, and relentless pursuit of
terrorist elements. The seamless partnership with local vigilantes and Forest
Rangers underscores the value of community trust and grassroots intelligence in
countering insurgency in remote areas.
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD’s sustained pressure
is steadily degrading terrorist capabilities in the North-Central zone,
restoring confidence among rural populations, and enabling safer movement and
economic activity. The professionalism and courage displayed by the troops
serve as a powerful reminder of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering
commitment to bringing lasting peace and security to all parts of the country.