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Rainy Season, Difficult Terrain Now Biggest Challenge as Terrorists Retreat into Remote Forests — Theatre Commander
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Major General Idris said the terrorists have increasingly withdrawn into remote forests, rocky terrain and isolated settlements where they exploit the vast geographical landscape to evade military patrols.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
Nigeria, Türkiye Move to Deepen Ties After Tinubu’s Ankara Visit
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Türkiye have pledged to deepen bilateral relations across trade, investment, defence, education and other strategic sectors following the signing of nine agreements and memoranda of understanding during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Ankara in January 2026.
The Federal Government reaffirmed the commitment in a statement congratulating the Turkish government and people on the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, celebrated on October 29.
Nigeria said the agreements signed during Tinubu’s visit had strengthened the foundation for expanded cooperation between the two countries in areas including trade and investment, education, diaspora policy, military cooperation, media and communication, and diplomatic training.
The government also identified manufacturing, construction, textiles and solid minerals as sectors offering opportunities for stronger economic partnerships between both countries.
It said Nigeria remained committed to sustaining high-level engagements and using institutional mechanisms, including the Joint Economic and Trade Commission, to consolidate existing partnerships, explore new areas of cooperation and promote mutually beneficial economic opportunities.
The Federal Government also welcomed progress in defence cooperation, particularly in local capacity building, technology transfer and institutional collaboration between the armed forces of both countries.
According to the government, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening defence capabilities and addressing common security challenges.
Nigeria further noted that both countries continued to cooperate at the multilateral level on international peace and security, sustainable development and other global challenges.
The congratulatory message coincided with a Republic Day reception in Nigeria, where the Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Poroy reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening relations with Nigeria and other African countries.
The diplomat recalled that Türkiye established its consulate general in Lagos in April 1959, before the two countries elevated their relations to ambassadorial level on November 9, 1960, barely a month after Nigeria gained independence.
“Since then, we have developed our relations in every field based on the principles of mutual respect, friendship and win-win cooperation,” he said.
He said Türkiye’s foreign relations were guided by the principle of peace at home and peace in the world, associated with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.
The diplomat also recalled Türkiye’s strategic partnership with the African Union, established in 2008, as part of its engagement with the continent.
In a video message played at the reception, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed pride in the country’s 103-year republican history and congratulated Turkish citizens at home and abroad on the anniversary.
Erdoğan highlighted developments in Türkiye over the past 24 years in areas including defence, energy, transportation and diplomacy, describing the courage and determination demonstrated during the country’s struggle for independence as a continuing source of national motivation.
The Ambassador also announced an exhibition of paintings by his wife, Ayşegül Poroy, an associate professor of fine arts.
The exhibition is scheduled to hold at the Alçöyün Gallery of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs from November 3 to 20, with the opening ceremony slated for November 3 at 5 p.m.
Nigeria, in its congratulatory message, wished the government and people of Türkiye continued peace, stability, progress and prosperity, while expressing its readiness to strengthen cooperation in pursuit of shared objectives and mutual prosperity.
Nigeria, Türkiye Move to Deepen Ties After Tinubu’s Ankara Visit
Zulum Calls for Shift from Relief to Recovery as IOM Marks 25 Years in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for greater investment in housing, livelihoods and infrastructure to help people displaced by conflict in Northeast Nigeria rebuild their lives.
Zulum made the call on Wednesday at the 25th anniversary celebration of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria at the Abuja Continental Hotel where he joined other dignitaries to unveil the organisation’s roadmap for the next 25 years.
The governor commended IOM for providing life-saving assistance and improving conditions for displaced families in Borno and other parts of the Northeast. He recalled how insurgency forced thousands of families to abandon their homes, farmlands and communities for internally displaced persons’ camps.
He said the crisis also affected neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Chad and Niger, making cooperation among governments and international partners essential to an effective response.
Zulum stressed that emergency assistance must be followed by sustained support to address the challenges keeping families in displacement and help them become self-reliant.
He urged partners to invest in permanent and semi-permanent shelters, create livelihood opportunities and support infrastructure development and environmental restoration. These efforts, he said, would help affected communities recover and enable displaced people to live with dignity and independence.
The governor reaffirmed Borno State Government’s readiness to work with IOM and other development partners to support recovery, improve livelihoods and promote stability across conflict-affected communities in the northeast.
The anniversary brought together government officials, diplomats, development partners and other stakeholders to review IOM’s work in Nigeria and discuss future cooperation on migration management, humanitarian assistance, recovery and development.
Zulum Calls for Shift from Relief to Recovery as IOM Marks 25 Years in Nigeria
Marwa Pledges Quality Education for NDLEA Officers’ Children
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), has pledged sustained investment in the education of officers’ children and improved welfare for personnel and their families.
Marwa gave the assurance on Friday during a visit to the newly established NDLEA Command School at the agency’s barracks in Yola, Adamawa State.
He said the school was established to provide children of NDLEA personnel with access to quality education within their immediate community, promising continued support to ensure it becomes one of the leading schools in the country.
Addressing the pupils, Marwa urged them to embrace discipline, punctuality and academic excellence, advising them to take their studies seriously, read diligently, prepare adequately for examinations and obey their parents and teachers.
He also charged them to shun illicit drugs, stressing the importance of making responsible choices for their future.
The NDLEA chairman also met with members of the agency’s Officers’ Wives Association and other residents of the barracks, who commended the establishment of the school as an investment in their children’s future.
Marwa disclosed that plans were at an advanced stage to inaugurate the NDLEA Officers’ Wives Association to provide a formal platform for officers’ wives to organise and collaborate on initiatives to improve the welfare of personnel and their families.
He was accompanied on the visit by the Zone 2 Commander, ACGN Ishaku Yusuf Kwajafa, and other senior officers of the agency.
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