President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday held an emergency security meeting with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq following widespread national and international condemnation of the deadly attack in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
The meeting came amid strong reactions from the United Nations, the Republic of Türkiye, federal lawmakers, and security agencies over the massacre, which officially claimed at least 75 lives, according to police figures.
The tragedy has renewed calls for sweeping security reforms, including mass recruitment of security personnel, expansion of intelligence capacity, and stronger federal intervention, as concerns mount over worsening insecurity in rural communities across the country.
Northern Senators Demand Security Overhaul
The Northern Senators Forum urged the Federal Government to urgently recruit more security personnel and strengthen operational capacity to stem rising violence.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Forum’s Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said recent attacks in Kwara, Katsina and Benue states had left over 130 people dead, describing the situation as alarming.
“We acknowledge the efforts of security agencies and urge citizens to cooperate by providing timely intelligence. However, there is an urgent need for increased recruitment and enhanced capacity to confront these growing threats,” Yar’Adua said.
Police Deploy Tactical Teams
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical, operational and intelligence assets to Kaiama and surrounding communities.
Confirming the death toll, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police strongly condemned the attack and had launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
“All available resources have been mobilised to identify, apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice. They will not escape the long arm of the law,” Hundeyin stated.
Residents were urged to remain calm and provide credible information through established police channels.
Military Operation Launched
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the deployment of troops under Operation Savannah Shield would deter further attacks and restore peace.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at the State House, the governor said the President had ordered decisive military action and approved the deployment of an army battalion to the area.
“The force commander of Operation Savannah Shield has reported in Kwara and is already on the ground. We rely on the military to do what they do best,” the governor said.
President Tinubu had earlier condemned the attack as cowardly and inhumane, directing the Armed Forces to flush out the assailants and secure affected communities.
The governor also directed the state emergency management agency to begin immediate support and enumeration of victims.
National Leaders React
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, condemned the killings in Kwara and Benue, urging security agencies to rise to their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, described the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable, calling for intensified intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations.
Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, described the killings as a national disaster and urged President Tinubu to personally intervene, warning against allowing insurgency to gain ground in Kwara.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan also condemned the violence, describing the attacks as deeply troubling and a threat to national cohesion.
Opposition Reacts
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) blamed the Federal Government for what it described as ignored early warnings, calling the military deployment reactive and demanding an independent investigation and a national security summit.
UN, Türkiye Condemn Attack
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, describing it as a terrorist act and extending condolences to the families of victims and the Government of Nigeria.
Türkiye, in a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also condemned the killings, describing them as heinous and pledging continued support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
“We strongly condemn this attack and extend our condolences to the people of Nigeria. Türkiye will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism,” the statement said.
Kidnapped Monarch Freed
Meanwhile, the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, abducted in Ifelodun Local Government Area, has regained his freedom after about one month in captivity.
A family source told Frontline Reporters that intense negotiations led to his release on Wednesday night. The monarch is currently receiving medical attention.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the release but said it was unaware of any ransom payment.
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2026-02-05