Gen. Olufemi Oluyede
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has detailed an aggressive new strategy to combat the wave of insecurity sweeping through Kwara and Niger States.
While defending the 2026 military budget before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, the CDS announced the upcoming launch of Operation Savannah Shield, a specialized Joint Task Force designed to stabilize the North-Central zone.
Strategic Pivot and Resource Management:
Special Forces Deployment: Building on existing deployments in Benue and Plateau, the military is now redirecting elite resources from other operational theaters to fortify Kwara and Niger.
The "Hold and Secure" Gap: Gen. Oluyede emphasized that while the military can win battles, the Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC must be strengthened to maintain a permanent presence in liberated areas.
Manpower Constraints: The CDS candidly admitted that the Armed Forces are stretched thin. Without stronger internal security agencies, soldiers face exhaustion due to the lack of "rest rotations" across multiple active fronts.
International Cooperation: Nigeria is currently deepening ties with global allies to enhance intelligence-sharing. Gen. Oluyede assured lawmakers that these partnerships are structured to boost operational efficiency without infringing upon Nigeria’s national sovereignty.
