Barely a week after the Woro attack, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in conjunction with the Nigerian Army Headquarters and other security services, has launched a new operation, Savannah Shield, aimed at flushing out terrorists from Kwara and Niger States.

The Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said in a statement that the launch of the new operation followed a Presidential directive.

He also said that Operation Savannah Shield was carved out of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), which tackles terrorism in the North West, and is designed to enhance security operations in Kwara and Niger.

On February 3, 2026, terrorists attacked Woro Village in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing over 70 residents. Troops have since secured the community, conducting clearance and confidence-building patrols to reassure residents of their safety.

On operations across the various Theatres, the DMO said that in the first week of February 2026, troops in the Northeast sustained clearance and counter-terrorism operations in the region, resulting in the neutralisation of scores of terrorists.

He stated that troops arrested one ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier at Jakana Village in Konduga Local Government Area, Borno, and recovered items suspected of having been abandoned by terrorists along the Mulumkoloye axis during a cordon-and-search operation in Konduga.

Onoja said during the period, the second batch of 700 Nigerian refugees was successfully repatriated from the Republic of Cameroon into the country through the Banki border in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, on 31 January 2026.

“Troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, provided adequate security during and after the exercise, ensuring the safety and orderly movement of the returnees,” he said.

The DMO added that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in conjunction with Nigerian Army Aviation, while providing air cover to ground troops during the period, observed five vehicles suspected to be Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices belonging to the terrorists at Road Marguna in Kaga LGA of Borno State.

“Targets were acquired, and multiple precision strikes were carried out. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that both occupants and vehicles were neutralised,” Onoja said.

He said that in the period under review, 50 terrorists, including one of their commanders, identified as Julaibib, were neutralised in the Timbuktu triangle in the Sambisa, 128 arrested, while 158 kidnapped victims were rescued.

In the South South, Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe thwarted significant oil theft during the week and destroyed seven illegal refining sites.

He quoted the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, as commending the bravery and professionalism of the personnel and appreciating the unwavering support of Nigerians whose cooperation, timely information, and trust remain critical to operational successes.

“The CDS further reiterates his mantra of See Something, Hear Something, Say Something.”