President Bola Tinubu has ordered an expanded security response following the killing of at least 75 residents in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, drawing condemnation from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye.
Tinubu on Thursday held an emergency meeting with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the State House, Abuja, after the attack on Woro and Nuku communities. The President approved the deployment of an army battalion and the creation of a new military operation, Operation Savannah Shield, to secure the area and pursue the attackers.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also ordered the immediate deployment of tactical, operational and intelligence units to Kaiama, confirming 75 deaths and announcing a manhunt for the perpetrators.
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims’ families and the Nigerian government. Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the killings as heinous and pledged continued support to Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
The Northern Senators Forum said more than 130 people had been killed in recent attacks across Kwara, Katsina and Benue states, urging the Federal Government to urgently recruit more security personnel and strengthen intelligence capacity.
Governor AbdulRazaq said federal military deployments were already underway and directed emergency agencies to support victims and affected communities.
Separately, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the release of the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, who was abducted in January, but denied reports of ransom payment.
