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Security assessment of Borno bombings

 

By Rekpene Bassey

Saturday, June 29, 2024, was indeed a gloomy day in Borno State, Nigeria. Despite the Nigerian Military and Security High Command’s sustained insistence that Boko Haram and other terrorist groups have been significantly degraded, the bombings in the Gwoza area came as a rude shock to the country’s intelligence, security, and defence community; exposing our security vulnerabilities.

According to a UNHCR source, the death toll from the multiple attacks exceeded 54, with many others suffering various degrees of injuries and receiving medical attention.

The first attack occurred in the afternoon around 3pm on that day, when a female suicide bomber, disguised as a beggar, gained access to a wedding reception at the Mararaba Hausari precinct and detonated an improvised explosive device (IED).

Two hours later, around 5 pm, a second attack by another female suicide bomber occurred within the same precinct. Two more IEDs were subsequently detonated by two other female suicide bombers.

That was not all. On July 1, barely three days later, the insurgence launched another surprise attack on a military base in the same Borno State. This later attack also resulted in the killing of several soldiers. These latest attacks are indicators that the war against terrorism in the country is far from over.

Some members of the international community, the presidency, along with political, military, intelligence, and other security elites have since condemned the attacks.

The latest Borno bombings serve as a reminder of the unremitting threat of terrorism in Nigeria which began 15 years ago. The attacks’ organisational sophistication and coordination demonstrate the resilience of terrorist groups, necessitating a heightened state of alert and security reinforcement nationwide.

The attacks highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security measures, including investment in advanced surveillance technologies, strengthening of human intelligence networks, community mobilization, and integration of technology. Improving border security, cybersecurity, and legislative support are also crucial in the fight against terrorism.

To effectively combat terrorism, Nigeria must invest in cutting-edge intelligence and surveillance technologies like drones, satellite imagery, and AI-driven analytics. These tools will enable more effective monitoring and prediction of terrorist activities, allowing for swift proactive actions before attacks occur.

Additionally, strengthening human intelligence (HUMINT) networks by embedding agents within communities will provide real-time, actionable intelligence crucial for preventing attacks.

Building trust through stronger relationships between security forces and local communities is vital. Implementing hinterland policing programs will empower residents to take an active part in their security, making them partners in the fight against terrorism. This collaborative approach will encourage the sharing of critical information, enabling security forces to respond effectively to potential threats.

Deploying biometric systems and facial recognition technology in strategic locations will help identify and track potential threats. Utilizing data analytics and machine learning algorithms will further provide early warnings of impending attacks, allowing for prompt and real-time action to be taken.

Furthermore, improving border security is imperative in enhancing border surveillance and collaborating with neighbouring countries to share intelligence and broader security coordination efforts.

Strengthening cybersecurity is essential to protect critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks that could disrupt security operations. Monitoring online platforms for terrorist propaganda and recruitment efforts will prevent the spread of extremist ideologies and stop radicalization at its source.

Training and capacity building should be prioritized as well. Providing specialized training for security personnel in counter-terrorism tactics and the use of advanced technology will enhance their effectiveness. Regular drills and simulations should be conducted to prepare for various asymmetrical attack scenarios, ensuring quick and efficient response times.

Stronger legislative support is vital to create a robust legal framework for combating terrorism. Encoding laws that engender swift prosecution and provide statutory support for advanced security technologies will strengthen the fight against terrorism.

The reintegration program for repentant terrorists into the security forces raises concerns and should be reviewed. This approach may be counterproductive and requires careful reconsideration to ensure it does not compromise national security.

Effective collaboration, cooperation, and coordination among security agencies, communities, and technology providers is crucial for success.

Implementing these recommendations will significantly bolster Nigeria’s national security architecture, mitigating the threat of terrorism and ensuring citizens’ safety and stability.

In conclusion, the latest Borno bombings serve as a wake-up call for Nigeria to reassess its security strategies and invest in advanced technologies, community mobilization, and legislative support. By summoning the political will to implement these measures, Nigeria can effectively combat terrorism to ensure our national security.

*Rekpene Bassey is the President of the African Council on Narcotics (ACON). He is also a Security and Drug Prevention Expert

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