The House of Representatives in Abuja has formally urged the military high command to scale up kinetic operations in Kwara and Zamfara states, identifying a critical “intelligence gap” that has allowed bandit groups to find sanctuary in the vast border forests.
The resolution, passed during a plenary session today, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, follows a surge in coordinated attacks that have displaced thousands of residents across both regions.
The “Border Forest” Intelligence Gap
Lawmakers highlighted that the lack of real-time surveillance and human intelligence (HUMINT) in the expansive forests connecting Kwara North with neighboring states (like Niger) and the thickets of Zamfara has created a “security vacuum”:
- The Regrouping Narrative: Intelligence reports suggest that as military pressure increases in the North-West, bandits are migrating to the relatively “quieter” Kwara axis, specifically the Kaiama and Ifelodun Local Government Areas, to regroup and launch fresh ambushes.
- Forest Hideouts: The House noted that the Oro-Ago and Babanla forests in Kwara, along with the notorious Dajin Rugu forest in the North-West, remain “ungoverned spaces” where criminal networks operate training camps and holding centers for kidnap victims.
The Resolution: “Operation Savannah Shield” & More
The House called for a multi-pronged response to close this gap:
- Enhanced Coordination: They urged the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure the recently launched “Operation Savannah Shield” (which targets the Kwara/Niger axis) is properly synchronized with ongoing operations in Zamfara to prevent “cross-border” escapes.
- Technology Deployment: Lawmakers recommended the immediate deployment of advanced reconnaissance drones and satellite imagery to monitor forest movements that ground troops might miss.
- Forest Guards: There was a strong call to empower and better equip the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative (PFGI) to act as the primary intelligence layer, working alongside local hunters who know the terrain best.
Current Security Climate
The call for action is timely. In April alone, Zamfara has seen over 200 casualties in various clashes, while Kwara has experienced a sharp 16-fold increase in bandit-related fatalities compared to previous annual averages.
