President Bola Tinubu has ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, following a deadly Boko Haram attack that killed dozens of residents.
The assault, attributed to terrorists led by Mallam Sadiku, which began around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 3rd January, 2026, lasted several hours, with casualty figures varying from 75 confirmed by state officials, to as high as 170 reported by locals, and 162 announced by the Red Cross as of yesterday’s evening.
President Tinubu condemned the “cowardly and beastly attack,” describing the perpetrators as heartless for targeting Muslim villagers who rejected radical ideology.
He directed the new military command to launch Operation Savannah Shield to counter the terrorists and safeguard communities, urging federal-state collaboration for victim support and justice.
Mr Tinubu’s message was detailed in a statement issued by a presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, late Wednesday.
“President Tinubu said the new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate the barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities.”
The president also prayed for the deceased and condoled with bereaved families.
Residents suspected the raid to be a retaliation to prior military deployment after the terrorists sent a warning letter to the district head five months five months before the attack.
Homes, including the district head’s palace, were burned, with attackers fleeing toward Kainji National Park, with police, military, forest guards, and vigilantes pursuing them.
Kwara police confirmed deaths, injuries, and property destruction but could not verify exact tolls. The Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction relocated from Niger State’s Shiroro area to Kainji forest reserve in July 2025 amid military pressure and infighting with bandit leader Dogo Gide.
Recent operations include kidnapping over 300 victims from a school in Papiri, while killing more than 30 in Kasuwan Daji, where captives remain.