The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has attributed delays in rescuing kidnapped Nigerians to the vast size and difficult terrain of forests used by terrorists.

Musa made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed the government’s efforts to tackle terrorism and kidnapping.

According to the minister, security agencies have rescued many abducted Nigerians, but kidnappers often escape into large forest areas before troops can locate them.

He described the Sambisa Forest as being as large as Belgium, stressing that it was not a small area that security forces could easily search.

Musa explained that terrorists often disappear into the bush before security agencies receive information about an abduction, making it difficult to determine their exact location.

He said troops sometimes have to block the abductors’ escape routes and cut off their supplies before rescuing victims.

The minister cited a recent operation in Kwara State, where security forces reportedly rescued victims after restricting the movement of their abductors.

He added that terrorists sometimes abandon their captives when security forces intensify pressure, creating an opportunity for troops to rescue them.

Musa also disclosed that authorities were monitoring financial transactions linked to criminal activities, noting that ransom payments could provide useful information for tracking kidnappers. He said the Central Bank of Nigeria was involved in monitoring suspicious funds.

The Defence Minister further advised state governors to exercise caution when distributing motorcycles as palliatives, warning that some of the vehicles could fall into the hands of terrorists and enhance their mobility.

Musa maintained that despite the challenges posed by Nigeria’s vast forests and difficult terrain, security forces were making progress in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping.