Gov Zulum Blames Intelligence Failure For Benesheik Attacks

Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed concern over the negligence of intelligence that led to the Boko Haram attack in Benesheik.

This is even as the governor strongly condemned the attack on the 15 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh.

Zulum noted that troops had received intelligence regarding a potential assault by terrorists three days before the incident occurred.

The governor who stated this in Benesheik expressed his condolences following the death of Brigade Commander of the military base, Brigadier General OO Braimoh and several others.

The assault on both the military formation and the town took place early hours of Friday.

The governor called on the military to review its security architecture to address emerging threats within its areas of responsibility more effectively.

Zulum said,”This is one of the most surprising attacks that I have witnessed in recent times,” emphasising the need to review security protocols, noting that credible intelligence about the impending attack had been available for approximately three days.”

The governor questioned local leadership regarding their awareness of the intelligence.

The chairman of Kaga local government area, headquartered by Benesheik confirmed that intelligence reports had been received, leading Zulum to lament the lapse that allowed the attack to proceed despite prior warnings.

Zulum thereafter, assured troops of the Borno State government’s continued support in protecting lives and property.

He added that his administration would take steps to strengthen the resilience of local vigilantes, security personnel, and affected communities to ensure Benisheikh does not fall to Boko Haram.