President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a deadly terrorist attack on the Nuku and Woro communities that left scores of residents
Rrports say that a Red Cross official, at least 162 people were killed during the assault which was regarded as Nigeria’s deadliest armed attack so far this year.
In a statement by the presidency, the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the newly deployed military formation will lead “Operation Savannah Shield,” a security operation aimed at flushing out terrorists, restoring peace, and protecting vulnerable communities in the affected areas.
President Tinubu, who was quoted in the statement, said the operation would “checkmate the barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities”, stressing that the federal government would not tolerate attacks on innocent Nigerians.
The president strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “cowardly and beastly attack”, and accused the gunmen of deliberately targeting unarmed civilians as part of a failed campaign of terror.
He expressed particular outrage that the attackers killed community members who had rejected their attempts at forced indoctrination, choosing instead to practise a form of Islam rooted in peace, moderation, and dialogue.
“It is commendable that the community members, despite being Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a warped ideology that promotes violence instead of peace and understanding,” the statement quoted the president as saying.
Tinubu also called for close collaboration between federal and state security agencies, as well as humanitarian organisations, to provide immediate relief and support to displaced and traumatised residents.
He stressed that those responsible for the atrocities must be tracked down and brought to justice, assuring Nigerians that the perpetrators would not be allowed to escape accountability.
“The President prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and extended his condolences to families affected by the tragedy,” Onanuga said.
The president also expressed his sympathy to the people and government of Kwara State, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the country, particularly in communities vulnerable to terrorist infiltration.
Recall that the attack occurred on Tuesday, with Woro village identified as the epicentre of the violence.
