President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held an emergency security meeting with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq following a deadly attack on residents of Kaiama Local Government Area that killed at least 75 people, according to government figures.
The attack, carried out on Tuesday night in the Woro and Nuku communities by suspected Islamic militants, drew condemnation from the United Nations and Türkiye, while northern senators called for urgent security reforms. The killings also renewed calls for increased recruitment of security personnel, expanded intelligence capacity, and stronger federal intervention.
The Northern Senators Forum, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, called on the federal government to step up recruitment and strengthen operational capacity to curb violent attacks across several states. “We express our deepest condolences to the governments and people of Kwara, Katsina and Benue states on the recent brutal attacks that have claimed over 130 lives,” Yar’Adua said in a statement.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered the immediate deployment of tactical, operational, and intelligence units to Kaiama and surrounding communities. In a statement, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed 75 deaths and said an intensive manhunt had been launched for the attackers. “All available resources have been mobilized to ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended and brought to justice,” Hundeyin said.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said troops under Operation Savannah Shield had been deployed to deter further attacks and restore peace. Speaking in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with Tinubu at the State House, he said, “I came to brief Mr. President about what happened in Kaiama Local Government Area and to thank him for the prompt action taken. The establishment of Operation Savannah Shield will go a long way in bringing calm to the region.”
President Tinubu, who ordered the deployment of an army battalion and approved the creation of a new military command to lead the operation, condemned the attack as “cowardly and inhumane” and called for federal and state agencies to work closely to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also condemned the killings in Kwara and Benue states, urging security agencies to protect lives and property.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, offering condolences to victims’ families. Türkiye also described the killings as “heinous” and pledged continued support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
In a related development, the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, who was abducted by gunmen in Ifelodun Local Government Area, has been released after about a month in captivity. A family source said his release followed the payment of an additional ransom, though police confirmed only that the monarch was safely reunited with his family. The traditional ruler is receiving medical attention after suffering physical and psychological trauma during captivity.
The spate of attacks has intensified nationwide calls for stronger security presence, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained federal action to address Nigeria’s deepening insecurity crisis.
