The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General WB Idris has attributed the flow of illegal weapons into Nigeria to the proliferation of arms across the Maghreb region following the collapse of Libya.
He said, the Nigerian military is strengthening border security and regional collaboration to curb the threat.
Maj. Gen. Idris revealed to Defence Correspondents on Thursday at the Operation’s Headquarters that criminal networks continue to channel sophisticated weapons to terrorist groups operating across Africa, including those carrying out attacks in Nigeria.
The Theatre Commander disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified intelligence sharing and joint border operations with neighbouring countries to disrupt the movement of terrorists and illegal weapons.
He said Nigerian troops are working closely with the armed forces of the Republic of Niger along the Nigeria-Niger border, while Operation Savannah Shield maintains similar cooperation with the Benin Republic.
According to him, beyond border patrols, the military closely monitors terrorist activities in neighbouring countries and takes proactive measures to prevent such threats from spreading into Nigeria. He cited the recent terrorist attack on an airport in Niger Republic, noting that adequate security measures have already been put in place to safeguard Nigerian airports and other critical national assets.
Maj. Gen. Idris also revealed that intelligence reports of a recent large-scale terrorist attack in a neighbouring country, in which more than 50 soldiers were reportedly killed and several others injured, have prompted the military to strengthen its operational readiness to prevent similar incidents in Nigeria.
He reaffirmed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to intelligence-driven operations, regional cooperation, and sustained pressure on terrorist groups to deny them freedom of movement, disrupt illegal arms trafficking, and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and citizens.