Potiskum is a city and local government area located in the northeastern part of Nigeria within Yobe State. Situated at coordinates 11°43′N 11°04′E, it lies along the A3 highway and covers a total land area of 559 square kilometres (216 sq mi).
The city is characterized as the largest, most populous, and fastest-growing urban center in Yobe State. It serves as a diverse residential hub for several major native language groups, including the Karai-Karai, Ngizim, and Hausa-Fulani.