Defence Minister Christopher Musa has attributed the difficulty of rescuing victims of terrorist attacks to the vast and difficult terrain where armed groups operate, saying security forces are conducting rescue operations regularly.

Musa, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, said terrorists often move abducted victims deep into forests before security agencies receive information about an attack, making it difficult for troops to track them.

He cited the Sambisa area as an example, saying its size and terrain presented significant challenges to security operations. “These places are massive areas,” he said, explaining that terrorists could disappear into forested areas before troops were alerted.

The minister said security forces had nevertheless rescued a number of abducted victims in recent operations. He explained that troops sometimes put pressure on the terrorists by cutting off their access to supplies and escape routes, forcing them to abandon their captives.

Musa referred to a recent operation in Kwara State, where security forces, according to him, restricted the movement of the abductors until they were able to rescue the victims.

He also said ransom payments could provide intelligence for tracking criminal networks, adding that the Central Bank of Nigeria was working to monitor funds linked to criminal activities.

The minister urged state governors to reconsider distributing motorcycles as palliatives, warning that some of the vehicles could fall into the hands of terrorists and increase their mobility.

Musa’s comments came amid continued security operations against terrorism and kidnapping across the country. He maintained that the government was committed to rescuing victims and disrupting the activities of armed groups.

The minister’s comparison of Sambisa Forest with Belgium refers to the broader area commonly described as the Sambisa region, rather than the officially designated Sambisa Game Reserve, which covers about 518 square kilometres. Estimates of the wider forested and savannah area vary significantly.