Boko Haram: Ekhomu tasks military on risk assessments

DigitalSENSE Business News:

Security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu has tasked the Nigerian military to conduct risk, vulnerability and criticality assessments respectively following the recent Boko Haram attacks on military and installations, reports 

DigitalSENSE Business News.

Ekhomu told DigitalSENSE Business News that by “using inductive or deductive risk assessments, a threat profile will emerge that will tend to suggest when and how military installations may be hit by Boko Haram. Based upon the probability of occurrence, physical protection systems may then be put in place to avert or resist attacks.”

Condemning the brazen and audacious attack on the compound of the Nigerian Air Force 79 Composite Group and the Nigerian Army 33 Artillery Battalion as cowardly and sneaky. Stressing that the scale of the attacks denoted by the large number of terrorists involved, the extensive use of Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) and Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device (VBIEDs), the display of RPGs, and the signature AK-47 fire, he said, indicated that there was careful planning and organization for the assault.

Hence, he pointed out that the massive destruction of structures and equipment at the military facilities were lamentable.

Ekhomu also urged the military to develop physical protection systems that would safeguard their facilities and personnel from terrorist attacks, prevent unauthorized access to equipment and facilities. “The December 2^nd attacks on Maiduguri showed that the current physical security safeguards were ineffective, and fresh thinking is required. More risk-based protection systems must be evolved in order to thwart future Boko Haram attacks on military facilities,” he said.

Dr. Ekhomu, who is chairman of Trans-World Security an international security consulting firm elaborated that physical protection systems use people, procedures and technology; including Closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) cameras, intrusion detection systems, alarms, electronic access control systems, monitoring, exit and entry controls, structural barriers in protecting assets.

“The military as the strength of the nation must be protected against terrorists in order for them to protect Nigerians” he said.

The expert said that the military authorities must consider the likelihood of insider collusion in the December 2^nd attacks in Maiduguri. In this regard, force protection measures must be strengthened along with deradicalization programs within the military.

Ayo Omidele/GEE 

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!