The Nigerian military has said heavy rainfall and muddy terrain are complicating ongoing operations against terrorist groups across parts of northern Nigeria, even as troops continue to record successes against criminal elements.
Speaking during an interactive session with defence correspondents in Gusau, Zamfara State, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General W.B. Idris, said months of sustained offensives had significantly weakened terrorist groups and forced them to change their tactics.
According to Idris, military operations involving intelligence-led raids, area domination patrols and other kinetic actions have secured most major highways and transportation routes within 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,” he said.
The commander disclosed that between January and April 2026, Operation Fansan Yamma recovered an average of five weapons weekly while neutralising at least 10 terrorists each week.
He explained that sustained military pressure has forced terrorists to abandon major roads and retreat into remote forests, rocky areas and isolated settlements where they now target vulnerable farming communities.
“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,” Idris said.
He noted that such attacks sometimes create the impression that security forces are absent, whereas the affected communities are located in extremely remote areas.
Idris added that the rainy season has further complicated operations because heavy military vehicles struggle to navigate flooded and muddy routes leading into terrorist hideouts.
“Our operational vehicles are heavy military platforms. During the rainy season, movement becomes extremely difficult because the terrain becomes soft and inaccessible,” he said.
He also acknowledged that poor weather conditions can limit air operations, which the military relies on to support troops in difficult terrain.
Despite the challenges, Idris assured Nigerians that troops would continue to sustain pressure on 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,” he said.
