The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has announced plans for the deployment of special forces to Kwara State and parts of Niger State as part of renewed military efforts to stem the rising tide of insecurity across the North-Central geopolitical zone.
Oluyede disclosed this on Tuesday while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence for the appraisal of the 2025 budget performance and the defence of the Armed Forces’ 2026 budget proposal. The session provided a platform for the CDS to outline the military’s evolving strategy, operational gains, and emerging security concerns nationwide.
According to the Defence Chief, the planned deployment forms part of a broader reconfiguration of security operations aimed at responding swiftly and decisively to banditry, violent crimes, and other asymmetric threats that have continued to undermine stability in parts of the region.
He revealed that special forces units had already been deployed to Benue and Plateau states, where they are currently engaged in targeted operations to flush out criminal elements and stabilise volatile communities. In a further escalation of security measures, Oluyede announced that a new Joint Task Force (JTF), code-named Operation Savannah Shield, would soon be inaugurated to specifically cover Kwara State and adjoining areas of Niger State.
The CDS explained that the new operation would integrate personnel and assets from the Armed Forces and other security agencies, with a mandate to enhance intelligence-led operations, secure critical infrastructure, protect vulnerable communities, and disrupt criminal networks operating across state boundaries.
While highlighting the achievements of the military in recent operations, Oluyede stressed that sustaining the gains recorded against insurgency and banditry required urgent strengthening of internal security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He noted that although the Armed Forces had succeeded in clearing several areas of criminal presence, long-term peace and stability depended on adequately equipping and empowering the police and civil defence corps, which possess larger personnel strength and a broader grassroots presence.
“The military can clear and stabilise areas, but to hold and sustain peace, the police and civil defence must be well-equipped and strengthened,” Oluyede said. “They have wider community reach and are better positioned for routine law enforcement, intelligence gathering at the local level, and civil protection.”
Providing a nationwide security update, the CDS acknowledged that while progress had been made in degrading the operational capacity of insurgents and bandits, the evolving nature of threats demanded continuous adaptation, improved inter-agency collaboration, and sustained legislative and budgetary support.
He appealed to lawmakers to prioritise defence and security funding, noting that timely release of approved funds, modern equipment, welfare for personnel, and enhanced training were critical to maintaining operational momentum and safeguarding national security.
Members of the House Committee on Defence, in their responses, commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices and ongoing efforts to secure the country, while assuring the military leadership of the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability across Nigeria.
