APC Senator Raises Alarm Over Boko Haram's Evolving Deadly Tactics in Borno State
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has revealed disturbing new details about the methods employed by Boko Haram insurgents during recent deadly attacks in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain disclosed that the terrorists are now utilizing tricycles, commonly known as 'Keke NAPEP', to transport explosive devices to targeted locations.
Tricycles Used as Bomb Delivery Vehicles in Coordinated Attacks
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday night, Senator Ndume explained that the bombs responsible for killing 23 people and injuring 103 others in Monday's multiple explosions were delivered via these three-wheeled vehicles. "You can imagine, even the bomb that exploded was delivered by a Keke NAPEP," Ndume stated. "This is not something new; they package it and use people in Keke NAPEP to deliver it to specific spots."
The senator emphasized that this represents a familiar but increasingly dangerous pattern of operations for the terrorist group, which continues to adapt its tactics despite ongoing security efforts. The use of common transportation methods allows the insurgents to blend into everyday traffic while moving deadly payloads through populated areas.
Intelligence Gaps and Informant Networks Compound Security Challenges
Ndume highlighted significant concerns regarding intelligence collection and security agency capabilities in combating terrorism. "The problem is a lack of adequate intelligence," he warned, noting that Boko Haram exploits informants within local communities to gather information and coordinate attacks. "What they do is hit and run. They gather, share information among themselves, and most dangerously, they also get information from some citizens. They have informants within society."
This revelation underscores the complex challenge facing security forces, as insurgents leverage local knowledge and covert networks to plan and execute attacks with increasing sophistication. The senator called for improved surveillance capabilities and enhanced intelligence-gathering methods to counter these evolving threats.
Insurgents Display Boldness Through Social Media Documentation
In a particularly concerning development, Senator Ndume noted that Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating in Nigeria have grown increasingly audacious in their operations. "You can imagine that bandits and terrorists in Nigeria now have the audacity to record their atrocities on TikTok and send them out," he revealed.
This use of social media platforms to document and disseminate attack footage represents a new dimension in terrorist propaganda and psychological warfare, potentially inspiring copycat attacks and spreading fear more widely than through traditional means.
Government Response and Ongoing Security Measures
Following the deadly attacks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security chiefs to respond decisively to the Boko Haram threat in Maiduguri. The president also ordered emergency agencies to provide assistance and medical care for the injured victims of the bombings that claimed 23 lives and left over 100 people wounded.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has meanwhile warned residents to remain vigilant during the Eid period, citing intelligence about possible bomb attacks. The governor disclosed that security agencies are actively tracking two suspected suicide bombers believed to be at large following recent attacks. Zulum attributed the persistent threat to the evolving nature of the insurgency and called for increased public cooperation with security forces.
The situation in Borno State continues to present significant security challenges, with the Nigerian military reportedly losing three commanding officers in just seven days as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) steps up attacks in the region. These developments highlight the urgent need for enhanced counter-terrorism strategies and improved intelligence capabilities to protect vulnerable communities from ongoing violence.
