The ex-Deputy Director of Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis
Amakiri; has said Governor Babagana Zulum defied all security reports;
before the multiple convoy attacks of terrorists at Baga in Borno.
Amakiri, speaking Thursday at a special programme on Channels TV to
mark Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary; disclosed that the
Governor was warned earlier against travelling out from Maiduguri, the
state capital.
According to him, the warnings, were based on ‘intelligence security
reports’ of insurgency affected communities in the state.
“His Excellency, Prof. Zulum was furnished with the intelligence
reports that Monguno/Baga road; is not safe.
“He however; defied our security warnings and felt he could go,” he said.
Continued; “And being the Chief Executive, he ventured out. He was
attacked twice.
“I hope he will not go again,” he said; noting that at least they
continue telling him, managing him to make sure that he keeps himself
safe.
Amakiri also explained that there are certain procedures to be carried
out before Very Important Persons (VIPs) move.
He warned that if such processes are not meant, the public official is
exposed to danger.
He said the masses berating security officials for not sharing
intelligence, are bound for an impending tragedy.
On September 25, 2020, the convoy of Zulum; was attacked two
kilometres to Baga, killing about 30 security personnel and civilians.
Monguno town killing at least 11 security operatives among others.
Other government officials; were ambushed by Islamic State of West
African Province (ISWAP) terrorists; while they were travelling to
Baga to receive displaced persons for resettling.
Two days later, the governor encountered another fresh attack by the
insurgents on the same route to Monguno after resettling 521 IDP
households.
On July 29, 2020, the Governor’s convoy, was also attacked, but
narrowly escaped the terror attack along the same road.
Piqued by the attack, the Governor confronted the Army and expressed
his “anger and disappointments” over the inability of military rid
Baga community of terrorists.
The Friday attack, was the second of its kind, creating great concerns
on the safety of Governor and his people in all the no go areas in the
state.
His words: “You have been here for over one year now, with 1,181
soldiers here. If you cannot take over Baga which is less than five
kilometres from your base, then we should forget about Baga.
“I will inform the Chief of Army Staff to redeploy the men to other
places that they can be useful.”
The governor insisted that there is sabotage in the system that will
not allow the insurgency to end in the North East.
He also claimed that some elements are trying to frustrate the effort
of the government in ending the insurgency.
He added that President Muhammadu Buhari needs to know the truth on
the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Borno.
While responding to Governor’s claims, the military said that Zulum’s
theories of alleged sabotage, are however, not true.
