A retired military officer and security advisor to the Governor of Sokoto State, Col. Ahmed Usman (Rtd), has voiced serious concerns regarding the rising instances of ambushes faced by Nigerian security forces. He attributes this trend to ineffective strategies being employed in the ongoing battle against terrorism and banditry.
This alarming assertion follows reports of an ambush in the Giro Masa community of the Shanga Local Government Area in Kebbi State, where at least 11 soldiers and a police officer lost their lives.
Col. Usman characterized the event as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive review of Nigeria's security framework.
He emphasized that these attacks underline his concerns that the insurgents and bandits, employing unconventional tactics, continue to outsmart security personnel reliant on traditional approaches.
In a statement released on Thursday, Usman remarked that the repeated assaults on troops should not be interpreted as a lack of resolve or weakness.
He indicated that the core issue lies in the ongoing dependence on conventional military strategies to address the threats posed by insurgents and criminal factions that utilize unconventional methodologies.
“The tragic events do not reflect any frailty on the part of our armed forces but result from the current strategy that is being implemented against an extremely unconventional adversary,” he stated.
Usman further articulated that terrorist groups, bandits, and insurgents have adapted their methods, employing guerrilla-like tactics that prioritize speed, surprise, and a deep understanding of the local environment.
He pointed out that these strategies often evade traditional military formations, thus putting troops at risk of preventable ambushes and losses.
The retired colonel called upon the federal government to swiftly re-evaluate and adjust its security strategy, highlighting the necessity for the creation of specialized units trained explicitly for unconventional warfare.
He proposed that these units should comprise personnel from across the various branches of the armed forces and security agencies, equipped to function in smaller, more nimble units guided by intelligence.
“With appropriate training and methodology, a well-prepared special force can yield significantly better results than large numbers of troops using conventional tactics,” he noted.
Additionally, Usman stressed the need for a cohesive operational doctrine among security forces, which would include the military, police, and intelligence units.
He cautioned that the lack of coordination and effective intelligence sharing continues to undermine national responses and create vulnerabilities that criminal elements exploit.
On the subject of community engagement, the security expert insisted that local populations remain vital sources of intelligence. He encouraged authorities to foster trust that promotes collaboration and early warning systems.
Usman also advocated for increased investment in modern surveillance and reconnaissance technologies, such as drones and real-time communication tools, to bolster intelligence-driven actions.
“Today’s warfare is as much about information as it is about firepower,” he remarked.
He urged the government to prioritize the safety and welfare of the security personnel, acknowledging that they risk their lives daily to protect the nation.
“The time to take action is now,” he concluded.
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