Amnesty International has revealed that Nigerian security forces received multiple advanced warnings about the raids that took place on the Chibok boarding school April 14-15, in which over 240 schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram forces.
Security forces were warned hours in advance, according to the rights group, who accused the Nigerian authorities of “gross dereliction of duty.”
Amnesty International independently verified information based on multiple interviews with credible sources, and concluded that the Nigerian security forces had over four hours of advance warning about the attack but not take measures appropriate to prevent it. Security and local officials had reported the threat to Damboa military command near Chibok by phone, after local civilian vigilante groups raised the alarm the evening of April 14. Reportedly, a large group of unidentified armed men entered Gagilam village on motorbikes and told residents they were headed toward Chibok.
Security forces were aware of the attack after 7:00 PM, but did not muster troops due to fear of a better-armed force, according to Amnesty International. A force of 17 army and police met the Boko Haram force significantly later, but was insufficient and was forced to retreat.
Netsanet Belay, Amnesty International’s Africa Director, Research and Advocacy, stated, “The fact that Nigerian security forces knew about Boko Haram’s impending raid, but failed to take the immediate action needed to stop it, will only amplify the national and international outcry at this horrific crime.”
By Cheryl Bretton
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