The Minister of Defence- General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has explained how security forces have rescued abducted victims without killing or arresting the terrorists holding them.
Musa said troops use intelligence to identify the locations of terrorists before blocking their escape routes and cutting off access to essential supplies such as food, water and fuel.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the minister said terrorists often flee when confronted by security forces, leaving their captives behind.
He explained that military manoeuvres, including the use of drones, can force terrorists to abandon their hideouts without engaging them in direct combat.
According to Musa, denying terrorists access to basic supplies is also an important part of the military’s strategy, as it limits their ability to remain in their locations and operate effectively.
The minister also said ransom payments could provide security agencies with an opportunity to trace criminal networks.
He added that the Central Bank of Nigeria was working to track funds linked to criminal activities and identify where such money originates.
Musa further urged state governors to reconsider the distribution of high-capacity motorcycles as palliatives and constituency projects.
He alleged that some motorcycles distributed to communities eventually find their way into the hands of terrorists and bandits, giving them greater mobility and making it easier for them to evade security forces.
The minister advised that, where motorcycles must be distributed, state Governors should consider smaller-capacity models that would be less useful to criminal groups.
