The attention of Headquarters Joint Task Force (HQ JTF) (North Central) Operation Savannah Shield (OPSS) has been drawn to an online report published by Sahara Reporters alleging that troops deployed at Yashikara community, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, abandoned their duty post and relocated to Chikanda during an attack in order to establish checkpoints for the purpose of extorting motorists. The report further alleged that troops failed to respond to a distress call during an attack on the Emir’s Palace in Yashikara community.
Headquarters OPSS wishes to categorically state that these claims are false, misleading, and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.
This was contained in a statement by Captain Jamilu Muhammed Yahaya, Acting Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation Savannah Shield.
For clarity, JTF OPSS has no deployment in Yashikara community, which clearly invalidates the claim that troops abandoned or relocated from the area during the incident. Troops are only deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chikanda, where they have continued to discharge their operational responsibilities professionally and diligently.
It is also important to state unequivocally that troops of OPSS have remained disciplined and professional in the discharge of their duties and have not engaged in any form of extortion of motorists as alleged. Personnel of the operation have consistently upheld high standards of professionalism while carrying out tasks aimed at safeguarding lives and property within the area of responsibility.
Regarding the attack on the Emir’s Palace, which occurred on 25 May 2026, troops deployed at HQ OPSS FOB Chikanda, located approximately 38.7 kilometres, received information on the incident at about 0145 hours (1:45 a.m.) and immediately mobilised and moved to the location in response to the distress call.
Upon arrival, it was discovered that terrorists had abducted three women and five children, while the sitting room of the Emir’s residence and two vehicles within the palace premises had been set ablaze.
The allegation by Sahara Reporters that troops failed to respond to the incident is therefore false and maliciously misleading, as troops responded immediately upon receiving information on the attack. Such reports unfairly seek to undermine the sacrifices, commitment, and operational efforts of personnel of OPSS, while also attempting to tarnish the image of the military working tirelessly to ensure peace and security within the region.
Headquarters OPSS therefore urges members of the public and media organisations to verify information through credible channels before disseminating reports capable of misleading the public, undermining operational efforts, or diminishing the morale of troops in the field.
