Abuja - Security experts and retired military officers have identified difficult terrain, poor intelligence, weak telecommunications, and limited community cooperation as major obstacles hindering military operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Northern Nigeria.

The experts said that despite increased troop deployments, vast forests, mountains and ungoverned spaces provide safe havens for criminal groups, making rescue operations slow and dangerous.

They noted that terrorists have built extensive logistics networks, intelligence systems and supply routes over years of conflict, enabling them to detect troop movements early, relocate hostages and exploit porous borders with neighbouring countries.

Retired and serving military officers also cited the widespread use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), difficult terrain and the use of hostages as human shields as factors limiting the military's operational options.

According to them, rescue missions require patience and precise intelligence rather than overwhelming force, as commanders must avoid civilian casualties.

Former Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman (retd.), said successful operations depend on actionable intelligence, meticulous planning, inter-agency collaboration and community support.

Other security analysts blamed poor cooperation from residents, fear of terrorist reprisals and weak border surveillance for undermining rescue efforts, noting that criminal groups often rely on local informants and quickly move victims between camps.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also attributed delayed responses to attacks to the state's rugged topography and remote communities, while community leaders called for improved border security, modern surveillance technology and stronger partnerships between security agencies and local communities.

The experts agreed that defeating terrorism and kidnapping in the North will require a combination of military operations, improved intelligence, technology, infrastructure development and sustained community engagement.