By Nkechi Eze
From the sweeping forests of Zamfara to the farmlands of Katsina and the border communities of Sokoto and Niger States, Nigeria’s North-West theatre has remained a complex and demanding battleground where troops continue to wage a sustained campaign against terrorism, banditry, and criminal networks threatening civilian life and livelihoods. It was against this backdrop that the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YANMA, Major General WB Idris, received Defence Correspondents from Abuja for a comprehensive operational briefing that laid bare the scale, intensity, and impact of ongoing military efforts in the region.
Addressing the visiting journalists on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, Major General Idris disclosed that troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA are maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist groups across the North-West, recording significant operational successes while ensuring the safety and protection of frontline communities. He said sustained offensive actions have continued to disrupt terrorist networks, recover arms and ammunition, and deny criminal elements freedom of movement within the theatre.
According to the Theatre Commander, the North-West operational environment has been carefully structured for effectiveness, with the theatre organised into multiple sectors spanning Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, and parts of Kebbi State. He explained that recent strategic adjustments led to the carving out of some areas into the newly established Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, a move designed to enhance focus, coordination, and responsiveness in both theatres.
Major General Idris noted that troops across all sectors are conducting sustained and coordinated operations, including the securing of major supply routes, aggressive pursuit of fleeing terrorists, intensive forest clearance operations, and targeted rescue missions. He cited recent successful interventions, including operations around the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State, as evidence of the military’s resolve to protect lives and critical infrastructure.
Reaffirming the importance of collaboration, the Theatre Commander disclosed that Operation FANSAN YANMA continues to work closely with other security agencies and local vigilante formations, including community protection guards. He said this synergy has yielded tangible results, including the surrender of weapons by criminal elements and the release of captives across the theatre.
“Across all sectors, human intelligence is actively supporting our efforts,” Major General Idris said. “Terrorist leaders, including Delo-2D, Guasca, and Taremi, are in panic and are forced to relocate after every major operation we conduct.”
He further explained that security threats remain most pronounced in parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Niger States, where terrorists have attempted to impose illegal levies on communities and prevent farmers from accessing their farmlands as a means of coercion and control. In response, he said troops have organised vulnerable communities into protected clusters, enabling effective patrols and security coverage during planting and harvest seasons.
The Theatre Commander also dismissed as fake news reports circulating on social media alleging the release of 70 terrorists, stressing that no such directive or official communication had been received by the command. He warned against the dangers of misinformation, especially in a fragile security environment, and called for responsible reporting.
Emphasising the critical role of the media in national security, Major General Idris described defence correspondents as strategic partners in the fight against terrorism. He urged journalists to rely on verified information, counter misinformation, and help project accurate accounts of military operations to the public.
“You are warriors on the screen and in print, just as we are warriors in the field,” he told the correspondents. “Help us convey the truth and our successes to the people. This builds public confidence and motivates our troops.”
The visiting Defence Correspondents were led by Commander Godwin Egbunu from Defence Headquarters, Abuja, who underscored the importance of on-ground reporting in enhancing public understanding of military operations and strengthening transparency. He commended the Theatre Commander and troops for their professionalism and dedication, noting that the visit was aimed at witnessing operations firsthand, reporting accurately, and reinforcing collaboration between the military and the media.
In a symbolic exchange reflecting the strong working relationship between Defence Headquarters and the Theatre Command, Commander Egbunu received a souvenir from Major General Idris and, in turn, presented a souvenir to the Theatre Commander on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede.
The visit culminated in an on-site inspection of Forward Operating Base Faskari in Katsina State, where the correspondents observed operational activities firsthand, further underscoring the Nigerian military’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and operational excellence in its ongoing efforts to restore stability across the North-West.
