Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YANMA, are maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist groups across the north-west, achieving significant successes and ensuring the safety of frontline communities, Major General WB Idris, Theatre Commander, has said. He maintained that sustained operations continue to disrupt terrorist networks, recover weapons, and protect civilians, underscoring the Nigerian Military’s commitment to stability in the region.
Maj. Gen. Idris made the remarks on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, during a briefing for visiting Defence Correspondents from Abuja. The team of correspondents was led by Commander Godwin Egbunu from Defence Headquarters, Abuja, who emphasized the importance of on-ground reporting in enhancing public understanding of military operations and fostering transparency.
In his operation briefing, Maj. Gen. Idris explained that the theatre is organized into multiple sectors for operational effectiveness, covering Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, and parts of Kebbi State. Recent developments saw certain areas carved out into the newly formed Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, to allow more focused operations.
The Commander highlighted that troops are conducting sustained operations across all sectors, including securing main supply routes, pursuing fleeing terrorists, conducting forest sweeps, and executing targeted rescue missions, such as the recent operation at the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Kebbi state.
The Theatre Commander reaffirmed that Troops are also working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups including community protection guards, a strategy that has already led to surrenders of weapons and the release of captives in the theatre.
“Across all sectors, human intelligence is actively supporting our efforts. Terrorist leaders, including Delo-2D, Guasca, and Taremi, are in panic and relocating after every operation,” Maj. Gen. Idris said.
He explained that security threats are most pronounced in parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Niger States, where terrorists have attempted to impose illegal levies on local communities and deny farmers access to farmland to force compliance. Troops responded by organizing communities into protected clusters, enabling effective patrols during planting and harvest seasons.
Maj. Gen. Idris also dismissed circulating rumors regarding the alleged release of 70 terrorists as fake news, stressed that no official communication had been received on the matter.
He emphasized the importance of the media as a partner in national security, urging defence correspondents to convey verified information, combat misinformation, and help boost public confidence in the military.
“You are warriors on the screen and in print, just as we are warriors in the field. Help us convey the truth and our successes to the people. This builds public confidence and motivates our troops,” he said.
Commander Godwin Egbunu, on his part, praised the Theatre Commander and troops for their professionalism, reiterating that the visit was aimed at seeing operations firsthand, reporting accurately, and strengthening collaboration between the military and media.
During the visit, the Team Leader, Commander Egbunu received a souvenir from Maj. Gen. Idris and also presented a souvenir to Theatre Commander on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, symbolizing the close working relationship between the Defence Headquarters and the Theatre Command.
The visiting correspondent proceeded for an on-site inspection at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Faskari, Katsina State, underscoring the military’s commitment to transparency and operational excellence.
