The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an independent judicial investigation into the killing of Brigadier-General O.O. Braimoh and several soldiers during a recent terrorist attack on a military formation in Borno State.
The demand was made by the group’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, following revelations by Babagana Zulum that security agencies had prior intelligence of the attack on the 15 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, about three days before it occurred.
In a strongly worded statement, Onwubiko described the incident as a “preventable tragedy,” urging Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately constitute a high-powered judicial commission of inquiry.
He proposed a seven-member panel comprising representatives from the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the Court of Appeal, civil society organisations, and security experts to investigate both the immediate and remote causes of the attack.
Allegations of Negligence, Insider Compromise
Onwubiko raised concerns over what he termed a failure by the Defence Headquarters Nigeria to act on credible intelligence, warning that such lapses point to serious systemic failures.
He further alleged the possibility of insider compromise within the military, arguing that repeated successful attacks despite advance warnings suggest deeper structural weaknesses.
The HURIWA coordinator called for the identification and prosecution of any officers found culpable, including disciplinary measures in line with existing laws.
Call for Leadership Accountability
The rights advocate also demanded sweeping reforms within the military hierarchy, including the removal of top defence officials over what he described as “failures to protect frontline personnel.”
According to him, recurring incidents of this nature risk eroding public confidence in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations.
Zulum Raises Alarm Over Intelligence Failure
Governor Zulum, during a condolence visit to Benisheikh, described the attack as “shocking,” stressing that advance intelligence had been available but was not effectively acted upon.
He called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly intelligence coordination and response mechanisms.
Benisheikh, located along the strategic Maiduguri–Damaturu highway, remains a critical military and logistical hub in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
Renewed Focus on Northeast Security
The attack underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, which continue to exploit vulnerabilities in the region.
Despite sustained military operations, the insurgency has lasted over a decade, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions across the Lake Chad Basin.
HURIWA, through its National Coordinator and purveyor Onwubiko, maintained that only a transparent and independent investigation can restore public confidence, ensure accountability, and prevent future lapses.