Esther Oseyiomon
The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central), Operation Savannah Shield (OPSS), has dismissed allegations that its troops abandoned their duty post and engaged in extortion activities in Chikanda, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the claims as false, misleading and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.
The military’s reaction followed a report published by an online medium alleging that troops deployed in the area deserted their positions during a terrorist attack and operated illegal checkpoints for extortion purposes.
In a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPSS, Captain Jamilu Muhammed Yahaya, the task force said there was no military deployment in Yashikara community, contrary to claims contained in the report.
According to the statement, OPSS troops are stationed only at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chikanda, from where they continue to carry out their operational responsibilities professionally and in line with established military standards.
The task force also refuted allegations that its personnel were involved in extorting motorists through illegal checkpoints, insisting that troops under Operation Savannah Shield remain disciplined and committed to the protection of lives and property across the North Central region.
“Troops of Operation Savannah Shield have remained professional in the discharge of their duties and continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and operational conduct,” the statement noted.
Providing clarification on the attack on the Emir’s Palace in Yashikara on May 25, 2026, the military explained that troops at FOB Chikanda received information about the incident at approximately 1:45 a.m. and immediately mobilised to the affected community.
The statement disclosed that the troops travelled about 38.7 kilometres to the scene, where they discovered that terrorists had abducted three women and five children, while also setting ablaze the sitting room of the Emir’s residence and two vehicles within the palace premises.
OPSS maintained that suggestions that troops failed to respond to the attack were inaccurate and malicious, stressing that personnel acted promptly upon receiving the distress information.
The task force warned against the circulation of unverified reports capable of undermining ongoing security operations and affecting the morale of troops deployed in various theatres.
It urged journalists and members of the public to verify security-related information through credible and official channels before publication, noting that misinformation could negatively impact efforts to maintain peace and security in affected communities.
Operation Savannah Shield reiterated its commitment to protecting residents across the North Central region and assured citizens that troops remain vigilant and dedicated to combating criminal activities within their areas of responsibility.