Sambisa as big as Belgium, security forces overwhelmed – Defence Minister

The Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa, defended the government's efforts to combat insecurity in Nigeria, acknowledging the challenge posed by the expansive territories occupied by terrorists. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Musa highlighted the difficulty in rescuing victims due to the vast size of these territories.

He pointed out that the Sambisa Forest, one of the most notorious areas, is as large as Belgium, making security operations particularly difficult. Musa noted that despite regular rescues, terrorists often manage to evade capture by disappearing into the dense forests. He stressed that due to the expansive nature of the Sambisa Forest spanning 923 square kilometres, the scale of the terrain makes security operations challenging.

Musa emphasized that the government is overwhelmed by the situation, comparing the enormity of the forest to that of a country. He explained that terrorists frequently move into these massive forests before security agencies receive information about an abduction, making it nearly impossible to trace them before they escape. Musa further detailed how security forces sometimes had to quarantine areas, cut off oxygen, and deny terrorists access to oxygen to rescue the victims.

He also mentioned that terrorists often abandon their captives when faced with pressure from security forces, allowing for their rescue. Additionally, Musa proposed blocking terrorists’ access to essential supplies as a strategy to prevent them from holding onto hostages. The minister also discussed the potential risks associated with ransom payments, suggesting that the Central Bank of Nigeria is working to track funds linked to criminal activities.

Musa urged state governors to reconsider the distribution of motorcycles as palliatives, warning that some could be misused by terrorists, thereby enabling them to move more freely.