The House of Representatives has declared support for the Armed Forces’ newly inaugurated Operation Savannah Shield, with Deputy Spokesperson Philip Agbese spearheading a nationwide appeal for solidarity to confront escalating insecurity in the North-Central region.
Agbese called on Nigerians to stand firmly behind the military, emphasising that public cooperation is crucial to the effectiveness of the operation targeting terrorist and criminal groups active in parts of Kwara and neighbouring Niger State.
The Federal Government on Thursday rolled out the inter-agency security initiative, code-named “Operation Savannah Shield,” in response to renewed assaults within the Kaiama corridor of Kwara State North and nearby communities.
The exercise was formally launched at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, following authorisation by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Agbese commended the Chief of Defence Staff for championing what he termed a far-reaching and well-coordinated military response aimed at restoring stability across the North-Central states of Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Niger, Plateau and Nasarawa.
He stated that the unveiling of Operation Savannah Shield demonstrates renewed collaboration among the armed services, marking the decline of inter-service rivalry and the emergence of a more cohesive and resolute Armed Forces ready to tackle security threats head-on.
“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 federal constituency in Benue State, observed that continued attacks in the region have caused displacement and economic hardship, underscoring the necessity for prompt and sustained action.
He further revealed plans to mobilise public advocacy backing the Armed Forces, urging citizens to share credible intelligence and work closely with security agencies to eliminate criminal elements.
“With sustained cooperation between government, the military and the people, Nigeria will decisively overcome its security challenges,” he added.
The combined task force, made up of personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, has been assigned to safeguard lives and property, dismantle criminal networks and curb kidnapping activities across the impacted areas.
