DSS warns of planned Boko Haram attacks in Adamawa, Borno
The DSS has warned of planned Boko Haram attacks targeting communities in Adamawa and Borno States, with insurgents said to have deployed surveillance teams ahead of the operation.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned of planned Boko Haram attacks targeting communities in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State and Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. According to a leaked intelligence memo, the planned assaults are linked to the reported collapse of a ceasefire agreement between the insurgents and the two state governments.
The memo said the terrorists intend to abduct senior government officials, councillors, district heads, pastors and residents in the affected areas. It also warned that the district head of Michika and his son are specific targets, with insurgents said to have already deployed surveillance teams ahead of the planned operation. A DSS source confirmed the intelligence report. The agency has urged military personnel and forest guards to strengthen security and increase surveillance across the affected communities to prevent the attacks and protect residents from potential kidnappings and violence.
The warning is a stark reminder of the fragility of the security situation in the North-east. The reported collapse of a ceasefire agreement suggests that the insurgents are regrouping and preparing for new attacks. The targeting of local government officials and community leaders is particularly concerning, as it could destabilise local governance.
This echoes the 2018 Boko Haram attacks on communities in Borno, which also targeted local officials. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: communities left vulnerable and a state unable to protect its citizens.
The winners: none. The losers: the residents of the affected communities, who face the threat of attack; and the Nigerian state, which has failed to secure a lasting peace.
Bottom Line: The DSS has warned of planned Boko Haram attacks. The ceasefire has collapsed. The targets are local officials and community leaders. The question is whether the security forces can prevent the attacks or will be caught off guard again.