Category: Security

Kwara APC chieftain praises President Tinubu’s vision, says reform will boost security, investment, and governance competition

Engineer Femi Sanni. FNICE. FNSE, popularly known as Araba, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate following the passage of the constitutional amendment bill to establish State Police.

In a statement personally signed by him, Araba described the Senate’s approval as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward true federalism and enhanced national security.

Araba noted that he has long advocated for State Police as a critical tool for improving security and unlocking economic growth across Nigeria’s subnational economies. He recalled his previous statements that no serious investor will commit resources in an environment where security is uncertain, and that the creation of State Police would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by bringing law enforcement closer to communities .

The APC chieftain and chairman of FlowFM 92.7 praised President Tinubu for demonstrating what he called a champion of true federalism, noting that State Police has been central to the President’s reform agenda since his tenure as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.

Araba also commended the Senate for making history with the passage of all 26 clauses of the bill and urged State Houses of Assembly to follow suit and pass the legislation.

Araba further argued that State Police would deepen healthy competition among governors, particularly in the areas of security management and public safety. He noted that beyond infrastructure development, states could begin to compete on the efficiency, professionalism, and effectiveness of their policing systems. He also addressed concerns about possible abuse, pointing out that Nigeria previously operated regional police during the First Republic and already runs several community-based security outfits across states .

Araba Femi Sanni described the move as a major victory in the battle against terrorism and other crimes, adding that the reform would ultimately position Nigeria as a more attractive destination for investment and development. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting policies that strengthen security and governance across Kwara State and Nigeria at large.

… Hails supports of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the Armed Forces

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has launched Operation Savannah Shield in Kwara State as part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity and criminal activities across Kwara and neighbouring Niger State.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Defence Chief said the operation was designed to checkmate criminal elements responsible for recent security challenges within the region.

Oluyede said his visit also served as an opportunity to commiserate with the government and people of Kwara State over casualties recorded from recent security incidents.

“Your Excellency, I am here briefly to pay homage. The essence of my coming to Kwara today is to launch Operation Savannah Shield,” he said.

He explained that the new operation is a joint task force bringing together combat units from different security formations to strengthen coordinated responses against insecurity.

According to him, the Armed Forces have aggregated personnel and operational assets under a unified command structure to improve effectiveness on the field.

“With this robust approach, we believe that things will get better within Kwara and Niger States,” the Defence Chief stated.

Oluyede acknowledged the security pressures facing the Armed Forces and appealed for continued collaboration between federal and state authorities, noting that logistics and operational support remain critical to achieving lasting results.

He specifically commended Governor AbdulRazaq, who also chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, for his consistent support to the military and security agencies nationwide.

“It is important for me to put it on record that you have been very supportive, not only to the Brigade but to the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said, adding that sustained cooperation from state governments would further strengthen ongoing operations.

The launch of Operation Savannah Shield is expected to enhance intelligence sharing, improve rapid response capabilities, and restore confidence in communities affected by security threats across the Kwara–Niger corridor.

… Governors agree on joint security measures to curb attacks in border communities

Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has paid a condolence visit to farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago over the recent terrorist attacks in some communities under Borgu Emirate in Niger State.

Governor Abdulrazaq described the terrorist attacks as unfortunate and heartbreaking, saying their nefarious activities have claimed many lives, destroyed livelihoods, and rendered many homeless.

He extended the sympathy of the Kwara State government and the Nigeria Governors Forum to the government and people of Niger State and assured that efforts will continue to be made in collaboration with relevant authorities to address the security challenges across the country.

He revealed that both states convened a joint security council session where they discussed intelligence sharing and coordinated strategies to address insurgency and other criminal activities along their shared borders.

According to him, strengthened cooperation between the two states is necessary to prevent further loss of lives and restore confidence among residents of the affected communities.

Governor Bago said the discussions centred on practical steps to improve joint security operations and enhance surveillance across border areas.

He noted that tighter coordination between security agencies and both state governments would be critical in curbing renewed attacks and protecting vulnerable communities.

…Governor Confirms Military Response After Briefing President on Kaiama Attack

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has confirmed the immediate deployment of the first commander for Operation Savannah Shield to Ilorin, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to confront terrorist elements in the state.

The announcement came after Governor AbdulRazaq met with the President on Thursday in Abuja to brief him on Tuesday’s deadly attack in Kaiama Local Government Area, which reportedly claimed over 160 lives.

The Governor expressed appreciation for the swift federal response in establishing the new military operation aimed at restoring security in affected regions. He stated that the commander has already begun operational activities, emphasizing confidence in the military’s capacity to stabilize the area.

President Tinubu had earlier ordered the deployment of an army battalion to launch Operation Savannah Shield, with clear instructions to security forces to reclaim affected communities and ensure the return of peace. The operation will target terrorist cells, bandits, and kidnappers that have recently extended activities into Kwara and other North-Central states.

…President Tinubu Orders Army Battalion for “Operation Savannah Shield” into Kaiama

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq paid a condolence visit to Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area where locals were killed for refusing to surrender to extremist doctrine.

The Governor, who arrived in Kaiama accompanied by service chiefs and cabinet members, disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion to launch counter-offensives codenamed “Operation Savannah Shield.”

Governor AbdulRahman condemned the Tuesday attack as a cowardly act by terrorist cells frustrated by ongoing security operations across the state. He expressed deep condolences to the affected families and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting all communities.

The newly approved military deployment aims to intensify counterterrorism campaigns in the region, building on recent operations that have disrupted several kidnapping and terrorist networks. The Governor assured residents that the security forces remain focused on dismantling all threats to peace in Kwara.

…Troops Neutralize Fighters, Rescue Kidnap Victims in Sustained Offensive

The Nigerian Army’s 2 Division has launched a major security operation, “Operation Igbo Danu” (Operation Forest Flush), targeting terrorist hideouts across Kwara State. Between January 23 and 29, 2026, troops from the 22 Armoured Brigade—supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser—conducted coordinated assaults on bandit enclaves in forested areas, including Garin Dandi in Ifelodun Local Government.

Under the command of Major General Chinedu Nnebife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, and Brigadier General Nicholas Rume of 22 Brigade, the operation resulted in the neutralization of terrorists, destruction of multiple camps, and the rescue of kidnap victims. Several suspects were also apprehended while attempting to flee.

The army reported that bandits had received early warnings from collaborators within nearby communities, allowing some to escape with gunshot wounds. Despite challenging terrain, troops maintained aggressive patrols and blocking positions, significantly degrading the insurgents’ logistics and freedom of movement.

Major General Nnebife has called on the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks within the state.

The Kwara State Police Command has dismissed as fake and misleading a viral video alleging that women were assaulted during a protest at the Government House in Ilorin, describing the footage as digitally manipulated.

The police made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, following public outrage over a video that surfaced on social media claiming that security operatives brutalised women protesters at the Government House on December 27, 2025.

According to the command, a forensic analysis of the video revealed that it was a composite clip created by splicing unrelated footage together to falsely portray an incident that never occurred at the Government House.

“The video currently circulating is a digitally manipulated composite. It was deliberately edited by merging scenes of violent altercations from unrelated incidents with footage from a peaceful protest to create a false narrative,” the statement read.

The police further disclosed that some of the images being circulated alongside the video were traced to separate incidents that occurred several months earlier and had no connection with any protest in Ilorin.

The command added that efforts by its investigative team to locate and interview the alleged victims, particularly the two women featured in the viral clip, had proved abortive.

“Despite public appeals, no individual or group has come forward to lodge a formal complaint regarding the alleged assault,” the statement added.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adekimi Ojo, warned against the spread of unverified information capable of inciting public disorder.

He reiterated the need for organisers of public demonstrations to always notify and liaise with security agencies ahead of time, noting that such coordination enables the police to provide adequate security, prevent infiltration by hoodlums and ensure the safety of participants and members of the public.

The police boss assured residents that the command remains committed to protecting citizens’ rights while maintaining law and order across the state.

“The Kwara State Police Command remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and property and urges members of the public to verify information before sharing it,” the statement added.

The command also cautioned against the deliberate circulation of false or misleading content capable of undermining public peace, stressing that such acts could attract legal consequences.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq directed the Kwara State Police Command to immediately carry out an investigation following widespread public outrage over the video, which surfaced online claiming that female protesters were assaulted during a demonstration at the seat of government on December 27, 2025.

The incident had earlier drawn public attention after reports emerged that women protesting over alleged socio-economic concerns were manhandled by thugs in the presence of security agents.