***Demands Army Probe
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded an urgent investigation into a reported terrorist attack on a military post in Mairari community, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, warning that the incident raises serious questions about Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
The association called on the Chief of Army Staff and other security chiefs to investigate possible operational lapses, strengthen intelligence gathering and address weaknesses that could expose troops to deadly attacks.
In a statement on Thursday, HURIWA said the reported assault, which local sources claimed lasted more than two hours, raised questions about how the attackers reached the military position and sustained the offensive.
The association asked whether intelligence agencies detected warning signs before the attack and whether the troops had adequate equipment, surveillance and operational support.
HURIWA warned that the military high command must not dismiss the incident as a routine battlefield setback without conducting a thorough assessment of what happened.
It said the military must provide credible explanations for major operational setbacks and demonstrate that lessons learnt would translate into practical measures to prevent further casualties.
The Chairman of Guzamala Local Government Area, Umar Sheriff, reportedly said troops repelled the attackers and that no civilian was killed.
However, the number of soldiers reportedly killed or injured had yet to be independently confirmed.
HURIWA demanded an official account of the incident, including verified casualty figures, the circumstances surrounding the attack and measures being taken to protect troops and surrounding communities.
The rights group also urged the military to strengthen intelligence-led operations, improve force protection and ensure that personnel deployed against terrorists received adequate equipment, intelligence and logistical support.
It stressed that soldiers serving on the front lines deserved more than tributes after casualties, insisting that effective planning, reliable intelligence and responsible command decisions were essential to reducing avoidable losses.
HURIWA said its demand for accountability was not intended to undermine troop morale but to protect personnel risking their lives to defend the country.
It warned that failure to address operational weaknesses could expose nearby communities to further attacks and erode public confidence in the national security response.
The association urged the Chief of Army Staff and other security authorities to demonstrate that the incident was receiving urgent attention and that any identified shortcomings would be corrected.
HURIWA maintained that Nigeria’s war against terrorism required effective intelligence, sound battlefield strategies, operational discipline and the willingness to investigate setbacks rather than rely on routine assurances that attackers had been repelled.
It said the lives of soldiers and the safety of vulnerable communities required urgent action from the military leadership.