Senate Blames Security Forces’ Intelligence Failure For Borno Suicide Bombing

The Senate has attributed the recent suicide bombing in Gwoza, Borno State, to a lapse in intelligence by Nigeria’s security forces, as discussed during Wednesday’s plenary session.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio led the discussions, highlighting the security breach during deliberations on the bombings that occurred over the weekend.

Chief Whip Ali Ndume, who initiated the debate, pointed out the Mandara Mountains, Sambisa Forest, and Lake Chad region as remaining strongholds for terrorists.

In response, the Senate urged the Federal Government to direct the military to rethink its traditional methods of combating insurgency and other crimes, advocating for the adoption of modern technology and scientific tactics.

Lawmakers observed that conventional troop deployments seemed ineffective against insurgents who employ non-conventional methods to harm Nigerians and disrupt livelihoods.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed that the death toll from Saturday’s suicide bombing in Gwoza has risen to 31, with 42 individuals initially admitted to the specialist hospital. Fourteen have been discharged, while 26 are still receiving treatment.

Shettima, accompanied by Deputy Governor Babagana Kingibe, Senator Ali Ndume, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, former Nigerian Ambassador to China Baba Ahmed Jidda, the Director General of NEMA, and other officials, visited to offer personal donations and condolences to the victims’ families on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the government.