North Tongu MP blames security and intelligence failure on National Security’s part for secessionists’ attack

The North Tongu MP has blamed the poor intelligence of security forces for the successful attack by some suspected members of a separatist group, Western Togoland Restoration Forces.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that they were unprepared for the action of the group who had been agitating for independence from Ghana.

The MP expressed doubt over the overall safety of the country as the individuals appear to be well prepared for attacks.

He referenced their masterful handling of weapons by the members of the secessionist group.

“National Security and the entire security architecture of our country has been caught unaware and the whole security of our country has been exposed.

“I agree with security experts who have said this is a major intelligence failure on the part of the National Security apparatus. What is clear to me is that National Security will have to sit up. It is a clear case of intelligence failure.”

“I would like to place on record that I am a deeply troubled and worried MP as what we have seen today does not portend well. I am wondering why the North Tongu constituency was targeted in this co-ordinated invasion,” he said.

Speaking to Joy News, he stated that details about operations of the group are still unknown to him as the Member of Parliament for the targeted areas.

“It is clear that this whole secessionist agenda has now metamorphosed into something else. I am wondering if it is because I have been openly against the secessionist agenda by some elements in the region or it is simply because North Tongu is the gateway to the Volta region.

“Now I do not know as an MP how many groups are outside there and how many of my youth are exposed to these groups,” Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa stated.

Mr Ablakwa called on government to ramp up its handling of the issue.

However, he expressed concern over the tact and skillfulness of the armed men.

“How did they come by those weapons? Who is sponsoring these elements? Who is training them because they showed that they are superior marksmen, they showed superior firepower and that is how come even when the reinforcement team led by the Divisional Police Commander came, they were also overpowered,” he quizzed.

His comments come after some armed men attacked police stations at Aveyime and Mepe Police Stations all in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region.

They, however, fled from the station before daylight to prevent them from being identified. 

The group who carried out their operation at Mepe after hoisting a Western Togoland flag joined their colleagues at the Aveyime Police Station, seized two police vehicles, and injured an officer. 

Security expert Prof. Kwesi Aning described it as the first of its kind in West Africa and Sahel Sahara.