In a recent interview with Arise News, Brigadier General Sani Usman (Rtd), former Director of Army Public Relations, voiced concerns about the sources of weapons fueling the insurgency in northern Nigeria.
He questioned the supply chain sustaining terrorist activities, emphasizing that the ongoing security challenges are exacerbated by well-established logistical networks.
General Usman pointed out the striking disparity in commodity prices in insurgent-controlled regions, citing a recent example in the Northwest where Coca-Cola was priced at N3,000 and 5 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at N20,000 in the bush.
He believes that these inflated prices reflect the existence of organized supply routes benefiting individuals profiting from the conflict.
Highlighting the complexity of the insurgency, Usman argued that addressing the issue goes beyond military action, calling for a deeper investigation into those providing material support to these terrorist groups.
He stressed the importance of investigating the channels through which insurgents access fuel, food, and sophisticated weapons.
The retired general also underscored the need for stronger border security and internal monitoring systems.
Furthermore, he called for increased community awareness and intelligence gathering, as insurgents often rely on local networks to sustain their operations. Civilian cooperation, he noted, is crucial for disrupting these supply chains and weakening insurgent influence.
