Benisheikh attack: Security agencies' intel response questioned after Borno assault

The recent terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State, has once again exposed a critical vulnerability in our security apparatus: the failure to act on actionable intelligence. Governor Babagana Zulum's revelation that the Army received detailed information about the terrorists' movements and plans two days before the assault, yet failed to prevent it, is deeply concerning.

This is not an isolated incident. We recall the abduction of students in Kebbi and Katsina states, where credible intelligence, particularly from the Department of State Services (DSS), was reportedly ignored. The governor of Kebbi lamented the failure to act on DSS warnings, calling it "clear sabotage." Similarly, in Niger State, school authorities defied DSS intelligence about potential attacks.

While the Kogi State governor lauded the DSS for its timely reports, the Benisheikh incident underscores a systemic issue. The effectiveness of our security agencies hinges not just on gathering intelligence, but on the swift and decisive action taken based on that intelligence. The lives of our citizens and the security of our nation depend on bridging this gap between information and execution. We must demand accountability and ensure that intelligence leads to prevention, not just post-attack analysis.

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This is clear sabotage. We received credible intelligence from the DSS that this school was likely to be attacked. The DSS further advised that we convene an emergency Security Council meeting, which we did. The decision was that we would provide round-the-clock protection for the students.