Dennis Amachree, a former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), has sounded the alarm over the lack of coordinated intelligence among Nigeria’s security agencies, a gap he believes is critically hampering efforts to combat insurgency in the North-East.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics on the 16th of January, 2025, Amachree underscored the pressing need for intelligence sharing and operational collaboration to tackle the unrelenting terrorist menace in the region.
“There is a loophole in intelligence gathering, and this is affecting the fight against insurgents,” he remarked, painting a stark picture of the security challenges.
He noted that while significant gains had been made in areas like Borno State, the heavy concentration of military and intelligence resources in Maiduguri has left remote areas such as Damboa, Chibok, and Gwoza dangerously exposed to attacks.
Citing a recent ambush in Baga, where Boko Haram terrorists targeted soldiers retrieving the bodies of slain civilians, Amachree highlighted the dire consequences of insufficient intelligence.
“The ambush in Baga underscores the need for better intelligence. Going there to pick up dead bodies without proper reconnaissance or understanding of the area’s security situation was not a good idea,” he asserted.
Amachree also expressed concern about the lack of post-operation security in areas cleared of insurgents. He pointed out that without follow-up measures, such territories are often left vulnerable, allowing insurgents to regroup and launch fresh attacks.
“After the fight, insurgents are supposed to be driven away, and the police are supposed to take over. But what we see is that after the fight, the natives are left alone. When the insurgents return and don’t see any security agents, they strike again,” he explained.
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to revamp Nigeria’s security framework, particularly the appointment of new heads for security agencies.
“He (Tinubu)said in his first speech that he would restructure the security architecture. Changing the heads of the agencies is a very good move, but it’s important to improve the reporting lines and coordination among all security agencies to ensure seamless intelligence sharing,” Amachree concluded.
His remarks reflect a critical call to action for Nigeria’s security stakeholders, emphasizing the need for cohesive strategies to effectively combat terrorism and protect vulnerable communities.