EMVC, Federal Polytechnic Offa Partner to Drive Indigenous Electric Vehicle Production, Skills Development

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s push to develop a homegrown electric vehicle industry has received a major boost as Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC) and the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, signed a landmark partnership aimed at accelerating indigenous electric vehicle production, battery technology research and technical skills development.

The agreement, described as the first collaboration of its kind between a Nigerian indigenous electric vehicle manufacturer and a polytechnic, is expected to bridge the gap between industry and academia while strengthening local capacity across the country’s automotive value chain.

Under the partnership, both institutions will jointly develop market-ready electric vehicles tailored to Nigerian and African road conditions, collaborate on battery technology research, including battery cell assembly and battery management systems, and promote the local sourcing of components.

The initiative will also provide structured training for students of the Federal Polytechnic Offa in electric vehicle design, assembly, battery systems and after-sales maintenance, while enabling both organisations to share laboratories, workshops, technical resources and research facilities.

Beyond the immediate collaboration, EMVC and the polytechnic outlined ambitious plans to establish a Centre of Excellence in Electric Mobility on the campus, develop specialised curricula and certification programmes in electric vehicle engineering, battery technology and renewable energy systems, and create internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students.

Other proposed areas of collaboration include faculty exchange programmes, joint research publications, patent development, entrepreneurship support for student innovators, deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure on campus, local fabrication of vehicle components, joint applications for research grants and community awareness campaigns to promote electric mobility across Kwara State and the North Central region.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, EMVC Chief Executive Officer, Prince Mustapha Mona Audu, said the future of Nigeria’s electric vehicle industry depends not only on manufacturing capacity but also on developing the human capital needed to sustain it.

“This collaboration reflects EMVC’s belief that building a genuine electric vehicle industry in Nigeria requires more than manufacturing capacity; it requires a deliberate investment in people and knowledge. Partnering with Federal Polytechnic Offa allows us to develop vehicles and battery technology suited to our environment while training the next generation of Nigerian engineers and technicians who will sustain this industry long into the future,” he said.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, described the partnership as a strategic step towards aligning technical education with the practical demands of Nigeria’s emerging clean energy and mobility sector, noting that it would expose students to real-world engineering, manufacturing and innovation.

Industry observers say the collaboration comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and build domestic manufacturing capacity in line with the global transition to cleaner transportation.

EMVC, a Nigerian-owned company, is currently focused on the design, assembly and manufacturing of electric vehicles suited to African conditions. Its operations cover two- and three-wheel electric vehicles, battery assembly and charging infrastructure, with plans to expand into four-wheel vehicle assembly as part of its broader vision of positioning Nigeria and Africa as producers, rather than merely consumers, of clean mobility technologies.

EMVC, Federal Polytechnic Offa Partner to Drive Indigenous Electric Vehicle Production, Skills Development

Rainy Season, Difficult Terrain Now Biggest Challenge as Terrorists Retreat into Remote Forests — Theatre Commander

By Zagazola Makama

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has said that sustained military offensives have forced terrorists and armed bandits away from major highways into remote forests and isolated rural communities, where difficult terrain and the rainy season have become the principal operational challenges confronting security forces.

Major General Idris made the disclosure on Thursday during an interactive session with defence correspondents at the Headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State, while responding to questions on the security situation across the North-West and the continued attacks on farming communities despite the military’s sustained operations.

The Theatre Commander explained that months of aggressive kinetic operations, intelligence-led raids and area domination patrols have significantly degraded terrorist capabilities along major road corridors, compelling criminal groups to alter their operational tactics.

According to him, the military now exercises effective control over most strategic highways and major transportation routes across the theatre, denying terrorists the freedom to operate openly as they once did.

“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,” he said.

He noted that between January and April 2026, Operation FANSAN YAMMA consistently recorded significant operational successes on a weekly basis, including the recovery of weapons and the neutralisation of terrorists, forcing armed groups to abandon their traditional areas of operation.

“During that period, we recorded an average weekly recovery of about five weapons and the neutralisation of at least ten terrorists. The sustained pressure has forced them to modify their tactics and avoid direct confrontation with our troops,” he added.

Major General Idris said the terrorists have increasingly withdrawn into remote forests, rocky terrain and isolated settlements where they exploit the vast geographical landscape to evade military patrols.

Rather than attacking motorists on major highways, he explained, the criminals now target vulnerable farmers and rural communities located deep within the hinterland, creating the false impression that security forces are absent from those areas.

“They have realised that the major roads are no longer safe for them. 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,” he said.

The commander observed that the current rainy season has further complicated military operations because the difficult terrain restricts the movement of heavy combat vehicles into remote areas where terrorists now seek refuge.

He explained that the Nigerian Army’s operational vehicles, including five-tonne, seven-tonne and ten-tonne tactical vehicles, are designed for demanding military tasks but face mobility challenges on waterlogged rural roads and soft terrain during periods of heavy rainfall.

“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 explained.

According to the Theatre Commander, the operational limitations imposed by weather are not restricted to ground forces alone.

He said adverse weather conditions also affect aerial operations by limiting visibility and reducing the effectiveness of surveillance and air support missions, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

“We rely significantly on air support for operations in difficult terrain. However, weather conditions during the rainy season can also limit aerial operations. Nevertheless, we continue to adapt and maximise every available opportunity to sustain pressure on terrorist groups,” he noted.

Despite the seasonal challenges, Major General Idris assured Nigerians that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains fully committed to maintaining the momentum of ongoing operations and pursuing terrorists wherever they attempt to establish safe havens.

“We are not relenting in our efforts. We shall continue to pursue terrorists wherever they are hiding, irrespective of the terrain or weather conditions,” he said.

The commander stressed that the command has adjusted its operational strategy to respond to the changing tactics adopted by terrorist groups.

He disclosed that increased reliance is now being placed on intelligence-driven operations, aerial surveillance, long-range patrols and modern technology to detect terrorist movements in forests and difficult terrain that are less accessible to conventional ground forces.

Major General Idris also highlighted the importance of unmanned aerial systems and aircraft in monitoring remote locations, noting that the command is expanding the use of technology to deny terrorists the freedom to regroup or launch attacks on farming communities.

He urged the public to appreciate the realities of military operations during the rainy season, explaining that the vast operational environment and changing tactics employed by terrorists require continuous adaptation rather than static deployment.

According to him, isolated attacks in remote villages should not be interpreted as a loss of military control but rather as evidence that sustained pressure has displaced terrorists from major population centres and strategic road networks.

“The terrorists have been denied the ability to operate freely on our highways. What we are witnessing now is their desperate attempt to exploit isolated communities and vulnerable farmers in remote locations. We are responding by adapting our operational approach to ensure they are denied even those remaining spaces,” he said.

The Theatre Commander reaffirmed that the Joint Task Force would continue to intensify long-range patrols, improve intelligence gathering, expand aerial surveillance and sustain offensive operations throughout the rainy season to protect farming communities and prevent terrorists from exploiting difficult terrain.

He added that the command remains focused on restoring normalcy across the North-West by maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist enclaves until they are completely dismantled, while assuring residents that every available operational resource is being deployed to safeguard lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure across the theatre.

Rainy Season, Difficult Terrain Now Biggest Challenge as Terrorists Retreat into Remote Forests — Theatre Commander

Operation FANSAN YAMMA Neutralises 805 Terrorists, Rescues 2,536 Kidnap Victims, Recovers 296 AK-47 Rifles in North-West Offensive

By Zagazola Makama

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has disclosed that troops operating across the North-West have neutralised 805 terrorists, rescued 2,536 kidnapped victims, arrested 1,108 suspected terrorists and informants, and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in sustained operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks.

Major General Idris made the disclosure on Thursday while briefing defence correspondents during a strategic media engagement at the Headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State on Thursday.

According to the Theatre Commander, the operational achievements illustrated the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-driven operations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and the growing synergy between the Armed Forces and local communities in confronting insecurity across the North-West.

He disclosed that troops recovered 296 AK-47 rifles, 12 PKT machine guns, four General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), four QJC heavy machine guns, three Dushka anti-aircraft guns, and 11 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers during various operations conducted across the theatre.

The command also recovered 18,335 rounds of assorted ammunition, 477 magazines, and 632 motorcycles used by terrorists for mobility and attacks.

In addition, troops recovered 4,219 rustled livestock, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owners, depriving criminal groups of a major source of funding while restoring livelihoods in affected communities.

Major General Idris said the sustained operational pressure mounted by troops has significantly degraded the operational capability of terrorist groups, forcing them to abandon several enclaves and disrupting their logistics, recruitment and supply networks.

He explained that while terrorists previously operated freely along major highways, continuous military domination of critical road corridors has compelled them to retreat into remote forests and difficult terrain, where they now rely on motorcycles and foot movement through narrow bush tracks.

“The operational environment remains dynamic, but sustained offensive actions have denied the terrorists freedom of movement along major highways and significantly reduced their ability to operate openly,” he said.

The Theatre Commander noted that the security challenges confronting the theatre remain concentrated in parts of Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states, where troops continue to conduct long-range patrols, clearance operations, intelligence-led raids and targeted offensive missions.

He warned that terrorist groups have continued to adapt their tactics, including the increasing deployment of sophisticated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the use of trained marksmen and the exploitation of rugged terrain to evade military operations.

According to him, recent encounters have shown that some IEDs employed by terrorist groups contain significantly larger explosive charges capable of destroying heavily armoured combat vehicles.

Despite these evolving threats, he said the command has sustained the momentum of both kinetic and non-kinetic operations through continuous adaptation of operational tactics and increased deployment of technology.

The Theatre Commander highlighted several notable operations conducted during the review period, including the destruction of terrorist camps, rescue of abducted civilians, recovery of illegal arms, interception of terrorist logistics couriers, dismantling of illegal firearms manufacturing syndicates and disruption of medical and supply networks supporting terrorist groups.

He said intelligence-led operations have become the cornerstone of the command’s successes, stressing that operational planning now integrates the capabilities of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Community Protection Guards and other security stakeholders.

Major General Idris also acknowledged the operational benefits derived from the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, saying the collaboration has enhanced surveillance capabilities and supported precision strikes against high-value terrorist targets.

He explained that every intercepted courier transporting weapons, ammunition or explosives undergoes detailed intelligence exploitation to identify and apprehend the intended recipients, thereby dismantling entire logistics networks rather than merely arresting individual suspects.

“We do not stop at making arrests. We investigate every suspect, identify the destination of the weapons or logistics and ensure that the recipients are also apprehended. Our objective is to dismantle the entire criminal network,” he said.

On civil-military cooperation, the Theatre Commander said the command continues to complement combat operations with humanitarian and community-based initiatives aimed at strengthening public trust and improving intelligence sharing.

He disclosed that Headquarters Operation FANSAN YAMMA distributed 24,400 bags of fertiliser to farming communities in Maru, Anka and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State to support agricultural production during the 2026 farming season.

The command also carried out medical outreaches, renovated healthcare facilities, organised educational support programmes and maintained regular engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and state governments to promote sustainable peace.

On the security of major highways and critical infrastructure, Major General Idris said sustained troop deployments, mobile patrols, snap checkpoints, ambushes, aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations have significantly improved security along strategic corridors, including the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway, the Abuja–Kaduna railway, Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna–Katsina Road and major highways across Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states.

He noted that while isolated attacks still occur in remote hinterland communities, the command has substantially reduced attacks on major road networks through aggressive area domination operations.

The commander further assured that troop welfare remains a priority, revealing that personnel receive timely operational allowances, adequate feeding, potable water, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) during operations and continuous logistical support from Defence Headquarters and the Service Headquarters.

He also disclosed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA is expected to receive dedicated unmanned aerial systems upon completion of the construction of its drone hangar, a development he said would further strengthen surveillance, force protection and operational effectiveness.

The Theatre Commander, Commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of the Naval Staff, and the Honourable Minister of Defence for their unwavering support to troops in the theatre.

He said the military leadership has consistently provided Operation FANSAN YAMMA with critical combat enablers, including modern weapons, equipment, intelligence assets, logistics, mobility platforms and other operational resources that have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of troops in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

According to the Theatre Commander, the steady provision of these combat enablers has improved the operational capability of the Joint Task Force, enabling troops to conduct sustained offensive operations, dominate key areas, respond rapidly to threats and record notable successes against criminal elements across the North-West.

Major General Idris stated that the support from the military high command has also strengthened troop morale and enhanced force protection, assuring that the command would continue to make prudent use of the resources provided to sustain pressure on terrorist and bandit networks until lasting peace and security are restored in the region.

He equally lauded the Governor of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal Dare, for his continued support to enhance Operations of FANSAN YANMA.

Looking ahead, the Theatre Commander said the command would sustain ongoing offensive operations, deepen intelligence-driven engagements, expand long-range patrols into remote forests, strengthen border security, enhance civil-military cooperation, intensify information operations against terrorist propaganda and continue working with sister security agencies and neighbouring countries to deny terrorists freedom of action.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA to restoring lasting peace, protecting lives and property, and consolidating security gains across the North-West through sustained military pressure and strategic collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA Neutralises 805 Terrorists, Rescues 2,536 Kidnap Victims, Recovers 296 AK-47 Rifles in North-West Offensive