The Presidency has stepped up coordinated efforts to curb rising insecurity in parts of Kwara State, with the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Abiodun Essiet, leading high-level consultations with local government officials and military commanders at the close of her three-day working visit to the state.

As part of the engagements, Essiet received the Executive Chairman of Edu Local Government Area and the Councillor representing Gbugbu Ward on a courtesy visit, during which they briefed her on the security challenges confronting Gbugbu town and neighbouring communities in Edu and Patigi LGAs.

The local officials highlighted growing concerns among residents and sought stronger collaboration between local authorities, security agencies and federal stakeholders to restore peace and stability in the affected areas.

In furtherance of that objective, Essiet led a delegation to the headquarters of the 22 Armoured Brigade, which hosts the newly launched Theatre Command, Operation Savannah Shield, a joint military operation established to tackle terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Kwara and neighbouring Niger State.
At the military base, the delegation held extensive consultations with the Theatre Commander, Maj. Gen. Yakub Yahaya, and the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig. Gen. N. N. Rume.

Discussions focused on the evolving security situation in affected communities, the scope of ongoing operations and the need for sustained synergy between the armed forces and local populations.

Essiet also presented feedback from a recent physical session of the Citizens’ Assembly held in Omu-Aran, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara South Senatorial District, outlining the concerns, fears and expectations expressed by residents.

She emphasised that community-driven feedback remains critical to shaping responsive and coordinated interventions capable of addressing local security threats effectively.

The engagements, she noted, are aimed at strengthening operational responses, rebuilding public confidence and creating a safer environment for residents to return to normal social and economic activities.