President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate deployment of an Army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a deadly overnight attack on Worro community by suspected terrorists.

The President said the newly deployed military formation would lead Operation Savannah Shield, a reinforced security operation aimed at flushing out criminal elements, preventing further attacks, and restoring confidence among vulnerable rural communities in the area.

Describing the assault as cowardly and inhumane, President Tinubu condemned the attackers for targeting unarmed villagers and attempting to instil fear through indiscriminate violence.

He stressed that the Federal Government would not permit any part of the country to become a safe haven for terror or intimidation.

The President expressed particular outrage over reports that residents were attacked for resisting attempts at forced indoctrination, noting that the community had chosen peaceful religious practice over extremist ideology.

“It is commendable that the people stood firm in their convictions and rejected doctrines that glorify violence over dialogue and coexistence,” he said, adding that Nigeria’s diversity of faiths and cultures must never be exploited by violent groups.

President Tinubu directed federal security agencies to work closely with the Kwara State Government and local authorities to provide urgent relief for affected families, strengthen intelligence gathering, and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.

He also instructed relevant humanitarian agencies to support survivors and assist with rebuilding efforts.

The President prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and extended condolences to the bereaved families, as well as to the government and people of Kwara State, assuring them of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property nationwide.

The directive followed a large-scale attack on Worro and neighbouring Nuku communities on Tuesday evening, which left scores dead and many others displaced.

The gunmen, believed to have emerged from forested routes along the Niger State border, reportedly stormed the communities at about 6 p.m., firing indiscriminately and setting houses, shops, and parts of the traditional ruler’s residence ablaze.

Eyewitnesses said residents fled into surrounding bushes as the attackers moved from house to house, creating widespread panic.

Casualty figures remained unclear in the immediate aftermath, with early local estimates placing the death toll in double digits. However, humanitarian responders later reported significantly higher numbers as search-and-rescue operations continued. Several residents were also reported injured or missing.

Kwara State Governor, Mr. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, condemned the attack as a cowardly reprisal by criminal groups facing sustained security pressure and ordered intensified joint operations across the affected corridor.

Security agencies subsequently deployed additional troops and police units for rescue missions and the pursuit of the attackers.

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, also called for robust federal intervention, describing the situation as a national emergency and urging coordinated action to end the cycle of rural violence.