Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has revealed that security forces received intelligence about the recent terrorist attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, three days before it occurred.
Zulum disclosed this during a commiseration visit to the brigade in Benisheikh, where the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Oseini Braimah, alongside at least 17 other officers, soldiers and civilians, were killed in an attack on three military formations by suspected Boko Haram insurgents last Thursday.
Describing the incident as shocking and deeply troubling, the governor condemned the assault and called for an urgent review of military strategies to prevent a recurrence.
“This is one of the most surprising attacks I have witnessed in recent times. Credible intelligence about the impending attack had been available for approximately three days. There is a need to reassess our security architecture to address emerging threats more effectively,” he said.
Zulum noted that intelligence reports had indicated a possible attack on military formations, raising concerns over how the insurgents were able to strike despite prior warnings.
He also queried local authorities over their awareness of the intelligence.
Chairman of Kaga LGA, Zannah Lawan Ajimi, confirmed that such reports had been received, prompting the governor to lament the lapses that enabled the attack.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maiduguri at the weekend to condole with the Nigerian Army and the state government. Shettima, who was received by the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar said he was in the state on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sympathise with the bereaved families.
“On behalf of the President, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces and allied forces for the lives lost.
“Our hearts bleed. We grieve with the families; the nation grieves with them over the supreme sacrifices of our gallant officers and men,” he said.