Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has disclosed that security agencies had prior intelligence about the terrorist attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, three days before it took place.
He made the revelation during a condolence visit to the military formation, where he met officers following the deadly assault that claimed the lives of Brigadier General Oseini Braimah, along with at least 17 soldiers, officers, and civilians in coordinated attacks on three military bases allegedly carried out by Boko Haram insurgents.
Governor Zulum described the incident as deeply disturbing and called for a thorough reassessment of existing military strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future. He expressed concern that despite credible intelligence warning of an impending attack, the assault was still successfully executed.
He further noted that the intelligence reports had been shared with relevant authorities, raising questions about how the security breach occurred despite advance warning. The Chairman of Kaga Local Government Area, Zannah Lawan Ajimi, also confirmed awareness of the intelligence, which the governor said points to lapses that need urgent attention.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima also visited Maiduguri over the weekend on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with the Nigerian military and affected families. He described the fallen officers as heroes who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation and assured that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the armed forces in the fight against insurgency.
Shettima reiterated that the administration grieves with the families of the victims and vowed that efforts to defeat terrorist groups will be intensified.
