The House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind the Armed Forces' newly launched Operation Savannah Shield, with Deputy Spokesperson Hon. Philip Agbese leading a call for nationwide support to tackle rising insecurity in the North-Central region.

Agbese urged Nigerians to unite behind the military, stressing that citizen cooperation remains vital to the success of the operation aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks operating across parts of Kwara and neighbouring Niger State.

The Federal Government on Thursday launched the multi-agency security operation, codenamed "Operation Savannah Shield," to address renewed attacks in the Kaiama axis of Kwara North and adjoining communities. The operation was officially flagged off at the Sobi Barracks in Ilorin by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, following approval by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, Agbese lauded the Chief of Defence Staff for spearheading what he described as a comprehensive and coordinated military intervention designed to restore peace in the North-Central states, including Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Niger, Plateau and Nasarawa. According to him, the launch of Operation Savannah Shield reflects renewed synergy among the services, signalling an end to inter-service rivalry and a stronger, unified Armed Forces prepared to confront security threats decisively.

"The renewed cooperation, where rivalry has become a thing of the past, is a clear indication that the Armed Forces have surmounted internal obstacles that did not help in the past," he said.

Agbese, who represents a constituency in Benue State, noted that persistent attacks in the region have led to displacement and loss of livelihoods, making urgent and sustained intervention imperative. He also announced plans to galvanise public advocacy in support of the Armed Forces, calling on citizens to provide credible intelligence and collaborate with security agencies to flush out criminal elements.

"With sustained cooperation between government, the military and the people, Nigeria will decisively overcome its security challenges," he added.

The joint task force, comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, has been mandated to secure lives and property, neutralise criminal elements and disrupt kidnapping networks across the affected areas.