President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent terrorist attack in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, which claimed the lives of over 50 people, describing it as an offence against humanity, faith, and Nigeria’s shared values.
The president made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting with Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu decried the targeting of innocent citizens who rejected extremist doctrines, calling the attackers “heartless” for choosing soft targets. He stated, “Their actions offend our humanity, our faith, and our shared values as a nation. Yesterday, I directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following the horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro. This new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenseless communities.”
The president praised the community members for resisting forced indoctrination, adding, “It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue. Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith.” He further directed federal and state agencies to provide immediate relief and support to the affected communities and ensure that those responsible are apprehended. Tinubu extended condolences to the families of the deceased and reassured that the federal government will protect communities and defend national values.
Governor AbdulRazaq confirmed that Operation Savannah Shield had commenced and would play a critical role in restoring peace and deterring further criminal activities in the region. “The first commander for Operation Savannah Shield has reported in Kwara today, and he’s hitting the ground running,” the governor said, noting that President Tinubu had given clear directives for decisive military action to restore calm and safeguard lives.
The attack, which occurred between February 3 and 4, 2026, affected rural communities including Woro and Nuku villages. Armed extremists reportedly stormed the settlements, opening fire on residents, burning homes and shops, and abducting civilians, marking one of the deadliest violent assaults in Nigeria’s recent history.
