President Tinubu Orders Army Deployment To Kaiama

President Tinubu Orders Army Deployment to Kaiama After Deadly Terrorist Attack; Condemns Brutality and Mourns Victims
Location: Nuku and Worro communities, Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria part of the ongoing insurgency and bandit conflict. Armed terrorists struck the rural settlements of Worro and Nuku late Tuesday evening, killing dozens of residents and burning homes and property. Initial government figures reported about 75 civilians killed, but humanitarian and local sources indicate the death toll may exceed 160 people, making this one of the most lethal massacres in Nigeria this year. Many victims were executed after rejecting forced indoctrination by extremist elements; women and children were among those killed, and several people were kidnapped. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the immediate deployment of an Army battalion to Kaiama to protect residents and prevent further attacks. A new military campaign, “Operation Savannah Shield,” was launched with the appointment of a field commander to conduct offensive and protective operations in the affected axis. The troops are tasked with hunting down the terrorists responsible and stabilising the security situation.
In official statements, President Tinubu strongly condemned the assault, calling it “cowardly,” “beastly,” and an assault on defenceless civilians. He criticised the gunmen for targeting innocent people who refused extremist indoctrination and chose peaceful practice of their faith. The presidency described the militants as heartless, and vowed that perpetrators would be tracked and brought to justice.
President Tinubu offered deep condolences to the families of the deceased, the people and government of Kwara State, and all affected communities. He prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and urged federal–state cooperation to support survivors and the bereaved. The Emir of Kaiama confirmed mass burials according to Islamic rites and described the carnage as a grim chapter in the community’s history. The Kwara State governor and lawmakers echoed national outrage, condemning the killings and calling for intensified security operations. This incident is part of a broader wave of terrorism and bandit violence affecting rural communities across northern and central Nigeria. Groups linked to Boko Haram or Islamic State affiliates continue to carry out lethal raids, targeting villages that resist forced indoctrination and extremist influence.
The attack in Kaiama highlights ongoing security challenges in Nigeria from terrorism to banditry and the federal government’s increasing reliance on military responses to safeguard civilians.
President Tinubu’s order demonstrates the state’s effort to restore confidence and deter further violence, but the high death toll underscores the persistent threat to rural communities.
In the wake of a devastating militant attack that killed scores of villagers in Kaiama, Kwara State, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of the Nigerian Army, launched Operation Savannah Shield, condemned the violence as barbaric, and mourned the victims while urging coordinated efforts to bring perpetrators to justice and secure vulnerable communities.