The Nigerian military has said the ongoing rainy season and difficult terrain are complicating efforts to sustain offensive operations against terrorists across parts of northern Nigeria, despite significant gains recorded in recent months.
Speaking during an interactive session with defence correspondents in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Thursday, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General W.B. Idris, said months of sustained military offensives have weakened terrorist groups and forced them to abandon major highways.
According to him, intelligence-led raids, area domination patrols and other kinetic operations have enabled troops to establish effective control over key transportation routes across the theatre of operation.
“Our troops have dominated virtually all the major roads across the theatre. Trunk A and Trunk B roads are well secured through sustained military presence, patrols and offensive operations,” Idris said.
He disclosed that between January and April 2026, Operation Fansan Yamma recorded consistent operational successes, including the recovery of an average of five weapons and the neutralisation of at least 10 terrorists every week.
The commander said the sustained military pressure has forced terrorist groups to abandon direct confrontations with troops and retreat into remote forests, rocky terrain and isolated settlements.
“They have realised that the major roads are no longer safe for them,” he said.
“They now move deep into the hinterland, where they attack isolated farmers and vulnerable communities.
“When such incidents occur, it sometimes creates the impression that security forces are not present, whereas the reality is that these attacks happen in extremely remote locations.”
Idris explained that heavy rainfall has made access to these hideouts more difficult, as military vehicles struggle to navigate muddy and flooded routes.
“Our operational vehicles are heavy military platforms. During the rainy season, movement becomes extremely difficult because the terrain becomes soft and inaccessible. These are not vehicles that can easily traverse flooded or muddy routes leading into remote forests,” he said.
He added that while the military relies heavily on air support to reach difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions also limit aerial operations during the rainy season.
Despite the challenges, Idris assured that troops would continue to intensify operations against terrorist groups.
“We are not relenting in our efforts. We shall continue to pursue terrorists wherever they are hiding, irrespective of the terrain or weather conditions.”
