A retired military officer and security adviser to the Sokoto State Government, Col. Ahmed Usman, has pointed out that sticking to traditional battle tactics is leaving soldiers exposed to lethal ambushes, urging a swift transformation of Nigeria’s defense strategy.
In a formal release, Usman noted that the rising frequency of strikes on security forces nationwide reveals a deep-seated flaw in how operations are run, rather than any lack of heart among the troops.
He believes these painful losses aren’t down to a lack of guts or strength within the military, but are actually the result of the specific methods being used to fight a foe that doesn’t follow standard rules.
He stated, “Nigeria has been battling multiple security threats, including insurgency in the North-East and banditry in the North-West, with ambushes on military and police units becoming increasingly frequent in recent times.”
The adviser explained that these armed factions now use hit-and-run guerrilla methods, leaning on speed, the element of surprise, and a better grasp of the local landscape. He expressed regret that while the military often stays within a traditional warfare mindset, this mismatch continues to lead to unnecessary ambushes and loss of life.
Usman called on the federal authorities to rethink their plan by creating specialized, multi-branch teams specifically trained for non-traditional combat, suggesting these units should be lean, mobile, driven by data, and armed with the tactical tools needed to take on such enemies.
He believed, “With the right training and approach, they can achieve far greater impact.”
The veteran officer also highlighted the necessity for a single, unified command structure across all agencies, warning that a lack of teamwork creates openings for armed groups, and that forces must work under a synchronized system that ensures shared intel and joint planning.
He also emphasized how vital local residents are for better intelligence, calling for a stronger bond of trust between the public and security teams.
He noted that the people living in these areas have crucial insights, adding that fostering trust will lead to better cooperation and provide the early alerts needed to stop attacks before they happen.
Usman further pushed for more spending on high-tech surveillance, like drones and instant communication tools, to back up intel-heavy missions, noting that modern conflict is just as much about who has the best information as it is about who has the most guns.
He cautioned that if reforms aren’t made soon, the pattern of ambushes and fatalities will only go on, stressing that the safety of those on the frontlines who put their lives on the line every day must come first.
He explained, “It is our duty to ensure they are properly trained, equipped, and strategically deployed. The time to act is now.”