Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday flagged off 'Operation Savannah Shield' in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The ceremony, held at Sobi Barracks, marked the commencement of the multi-agency security operation approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following recent security challenges in parts of Kwara and neighbouring Niger State.

Operation Savannah Shield is a joint task force comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The operation is designed to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities across Kwara State and parts of Niger State.

Governor AbdulRazaq described the deployment as a major relief to residents, noting that escalating banditry in parts of Kwara North and neighbouring areas has threatened both security and food production.

"We are truly relieved. This operation will cover the entire Kwara State and parts of Niger State. It is not just about national security but also about protecting our farming communities and ensuring food security," the governor said.

In his remarks, Gen. Oluyede said the operation represents a proactive and coordinated response to dislodge criminal networks and restore law and order.

He stated that troops would conduct intelligence-driven and community-focused operations, with special attention to forested and ungoverned areas, particularly around the Kainji Lake National Park, which he said has been exploited by criminal elements.

"Our primary mandate is to secure lives and property, neutralise terrorist and criminal elements, disrupt kidnapping networks, and restore peace within the joint operational area," Oluyede said.

He assured residents that the operation would be sustained and called on traditional rulers, youth leaders, and community stakeholders to provide credible information and cooperate fully with security agencies.