How weak intelligence gathering, betrayal aid terrorists in Borno school abduction

… 36 students and others unaccounted for after school invasion

… NUT urges Tinubu to rescue the schoolchildren and others

Borno State continues to grapple with persistent abductions of farmers and school children, often blamed on several factors; most notably, allegations of weak intelligence gathering and betrayal, which frequently hamper military operations and responses to attacks.

Security analysts and locals say that relentless attacks and kidnappings have further eroded residents’ trust, as there appears to be a disturbing interplay between ineffective intelligence and neglect by relevant authorities.

Some suggest that porous borders and outdated equipment are major obstacles in combating banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities in the northern region.

BusinessDay reports that the incident occurred barely ten minutes after security operatives left the school premises, allowing terrorists to storm in and abduct at least 36 students, along with other women, including one female teacher.

Birtus Stephen, a member of a vigilante group, lamented that the abduction might have involved some level of cooperation.

“These people came in, well-kitted in military camouflage and forest guards with a military-branded Hilux mounted with anti-aircraft guns,” Stephen said.

“How did they know the security personnel had left, then come in and abduct the children? We suspect foul play in all these.”

“Since 2019, Boko Haram has not attempted to attack Lassa, so did they know there were no security operatives at the school at that moment? Honestly, this calls for a thorough investigation.”

He pointed out that another obstacle to security is corruption and poor governance within the security forces, which have allowed insecurity to spread nationwide.

Charles Pen, a security analyst, claimed that sensitive information had been leaked or compromised by those entrusted with protection.

“To say a country is developed, we must pass the three-part test—poverty, unemployment, and inequality—known as the Seers criteria for development.

“The fact that this happened after personnel left indicates the perpetrators are highly capable, with good intelligence gathering and knowledge of leaks.

“We are not sufficiently improving intelligence operations, and the federal government should equip the armed forces with modern technology to strengthen their efforts,” he warned.

He stressed the urgent need for government at all levels to do more in tackling poverty among the many youths, which he believes will significantly reduce insecurity.

Consequently, Usman Tar, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, disclosed that terrorists often exploit small lapses to carry out attacks, following the abduction of students sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on Monday.

“We have security forces deployed at schools, but terrorists monitor soldiers’ movements, especially during shift changes, or sometimes soldiers arrive late to take over, providing an opportunity for attackers to strike.

Comrade Zali Garba, State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Borno State, has called on the federal government to fast-track efforts to secure the release of the remaining schoolchildren and other victims.

He told BusinessDay via telephone, “We appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the armed forces to ensure these children return safely along with other victims held by the terrorists. Government must do everything it can to reunite these people, including Mussa, Lassa, and others, with their loved ones.

“We sympathise with the families, guardians and parents of all the schoolchildren and victims during this difficult time,” he added.