Insecurity: Expert urges FG to establish special force, change approach to counter terrorists

 Sidi A Umar

The Special Adviser to the Sokoto state governor on Security Matter, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd) has advised the federal goverment to recalibrate its security strategy. 

Col Ahmed who stated this in a press statement issued and made available to newsmen in Sokoto, also advised the government establish and deploy specialized forces from all forces and agencies that are willing to be trained specifically in unconditional and guerrilla warfare

According to him, such units should be smaller, highly mobile, intelligence-driven, and equipped with advanced tactical skills tailored to counter the methods used by the adversaries. 

Col Ahmed opined that with the right training and approach, a well-prepared special force can achieve far greater results than large numbers of personnel using conventional methods

He said Nigeria is loosing its gallant security cooperatives not because they are not capable or lack of bravery but rather because of strategy and approach being deployed in confronting unconditional enemies

“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and concern for the safety of our gallant security operatives that I address the persistent issue of ambushes carried out by terrorists and criminal elements across the country. 

“These tragic incidents are not a reflection of weakness or lack of bravery on the part of our armed forces and security agencies, but rather a consequence of the strategy and approach currently being deployed in confronting a highly unconventional enemy,”  the ex military officer stated

Col Ahmed also said the nature of the threats the country faced today from the these bad elements has evolved significantly. 

Further explained that these groups operate using guerrilla warfare tactics: they rely on surprise, speed, local intelligence, and deep familiarity with difficult terrains.

“Unfortunately, many of our operations still rely heavily on conventional military tactics, formations, and doctrines, which are not designed to effectively counter such asymmetric threats.

“This mismatch has continued to expose our troops to avoidable ambushes and casualties.

“I strongly advise the government to urgently reconsider and recalibrate its security strategy. 

There is a critical need to establish and deploy specialized forces from all forces and agencies that are willing, trained specifically in unconventional and guerrilla warfare. 

“Such units should be smaller, highly mobile, intelligence-driven, and equipped with advanced tactical skills tailored to counter the methods used by these adversaries. 

“With the right training and approach, a well-prepared special force can achieve far greater results than large numbers of personnel using conventional methods,” he explained to