Rainfall and difficult terrain have made operations against terrorists in large parts of northern Nigeria significantly more challenging, the military has said.
Major General W.B. Idris, Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North-west Operation Fansan Yamma, made the remarks during an interactive session with defence correspondents in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.
He said months of aggressive kinetic operations, intelligence-led raids and area-domination patrols had degraded the capabilities of terrorist groups along major road corridors, forcing them to change tactics.
Troops now exercise effective control over most strategic highways and transportation routes in the theatre, Idris said. “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.”
Between January and April 2026, the operation recorded consistent weekly gains, including the recovery of about five weapons and the neutralisation of at least 10 terrorists on average each week. The sustained pressure has compelled the groups to avoid direct confrontation and withdraw into remote forests, rocky terrain and isolated settlements, where they exploit the vast landscape to evade patrols.
“They have realised that the major roads are no longer safe for them,” Idris 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.”
The current rainy season has further complicated operations. Heavy military vehicles struggle to move through soft, flooded or muddy routes leading into remote forests, limiting ground access. The force relies heavily on air support in such areas, but weather conditions can also restrict aerial operations.
Despite the constraints, Idris said troops continue to adapt. “We are not relenting in our efforts. We shall continue to pursue terrorists wherever they are hiding, irrespective of the terrain or weather conditions.”
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