The Commander of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Mustapha Jimoh, has disclosed that the Nigerian Army is increasingly leveraging modern technology to track and neutralize terrorists and bandits across Zamfara State.
This, he said, is achieved despite the operational challenges posed by difficult terrain, poor road networks and limited telecommunications coverage.
Speaking during an interaction with Defence Correspondents, Brig. Gen. Jimoh said the rainy season often gives criminal elements a temporary advantage as they retreat into remote forests and communities that are inaccessible by vehicles and lack mobile network coverage.
However, he stressed that the Army has continued to adapt its operational strategy to deny the terrorists freedom of action.
According to him, troops have established about 70 Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) across Zamfara State, forcing terrorists to abandon many communities where military presence has been strengthened.
He noted that attacks now occur mainly in isolated locations where difficult terrain and poor accessibility slow security operations.
To overcome these challenges, the Brigade Commander said the Army has deployed advanced surveillance technology in seven of the most affected local government areas, enabling troops to monitor the movement of terrorists and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
He further revealed that the Army has provided alternative systems in remote operational locations where conventional telecommunications services are unavailable, allowing security personnel to maintain communication, transmit intelligence and effectively coordinate operations in areas previously considered communication black-spots.
Brig. Gen. Jimo said the deployment of technology, combined with sustained offensive operations, has significantly improved security along major highways across the state. He recalled that roads which previously required military escorts have become considerably safer due to the continuous presence of troops and increased surveillance.
The commander, however, noted that terrorists continue to rely on local informants and exploit isolated areas not yet covered by technological infrastructure. He assured that efforts are ongoing to expand surveillance coverage to additional local government areas as part of the Army’s strategy to eliminate the remaining criminal hideouts.
Brig. Gen. Jimoh expressed confidence that the combination of advanced technology, intelligence-driven operations, sustained troop deployment and strong collaboration with other security agencies would continue to degrade terrorist and bandit networks, ultimately restoring lasting peace and security across Zamfara State.