The Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North Central), Operation Savannah Shield (OPSS), has dismissed allegations that its troops abandoned their duty post and engaged in extortion activities during a recent attack on Yashikara community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
In a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of the operation, Captain Jamilu Muhammed Yahaya, the task force described an online report published by Sahara Reporters as false, misleading and a deliberate distortion of facts.
According to the statement, the report alleged that troops stationed in Yashikara relocated to Chikanda during an attack in order to set up checkpoints and extort motorists, while also failing to respond to a distress call following an attack on the Emir’s Palace.
However, OPSS clarified that it has no troop deployment in Yashikara community, noting that its personnel are stationed only at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Chikanda.
“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,” the statement said.
The task force further rejected allegations of extortion, maintaining that its personnel have consistently demonstrated professionalism and discipline while carrying out security operations within their area of responsibility.
Providing details of the incident, OPSS stated that the attack on the Emir’s Palace occurred on May 25, 2026. Troops at FOB Chikanda, located about 38.7 kilometres from the community, reportedly received information about the attack at approximately 1:45 a.m. and immediately mobilised to the scene.
Upon arrival, troops discovered that the attackers had abducted three women and five children. The assailants had also set ablaze the sitting room of the Emir’s residence and two vehicles within the palace premises.
The command insisted that the allegation that troops failed to respond to the attack was unfounded, stressing that soldiers acted promptly once information about the incident was received.
OPSS expressed concern that such reports could undermine the sacrifices and operational efforts of security personnel working to maintain peace and security in the region.
The task force urged members of the public and media organisations to verify information through credible channels before publication, warning that inaccurate reports could mislead the public, undermine security operations and affect the morale of troops deployed in the field.
