Brigadier General Sani Usman (retd), Consultant Director at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, has raised concerns over persistent security vulnerabilities in parts of northeastern Nigeria, particularly areas known for smuggling activities and insurgent movements.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, the retired military officer reflected on his firsthand knowledge of the region, drawing from his years of service before voluntarily retiring in 2019. He emphasized that certain routes have long posed challenges to security agencies due to their strategic use by criminal elements.
Highlighting his experience, Usman stated, “In fact way back before I voluntarily retired in 2019, I have had the privilege of going to that place and I know that axis has been a route for smugglers and the last attack on Geidam, we know what happened.” His remarks point to longstanding concerns about the exploitation of porous routes by both smugglers and armed groups operating in the region.
Geidam, a town in Yobe State, has witnessed attacks in the past, often linked to insurgent activities. Usman’s comments suggest that such incidents may be connected to the continued use of these corridors, which remain difficult to monitor effectively. He implied that without addressing these routes, efforts to curb insecurity may face significant setbacks.
Security analysts have repeatedly stressed the importance of tightening border controls and improving intelligence gathering in vulnerable areas. Usman’s insights add to the growing call for a more proactive and sustained approach to securing known hotspots.