In a development that has brought relief to many residents, hundreds of suspected Boko Haram members have reportedly been arrested across Lagos State.
The arrests were disclosed by Mr. Kumar Sanda, the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Lagos, during an award ceremony held on Wednesday, April 16.
Kumar highlighted the continued efforts of the CJTF to ensure that insurgents and fleeing bandits do not find safe ground in Lagos.
According to him, arrests are carried out at strategic points such as trailer parks, quarries, and market locations that have become popular entry zones for people migrating from northern Nigeria.
“If I should mention the number of Boko Haram members we have arrested in Lagos State, people will not believe it. But we have arrested thousands,” Kumar stated firmly during his address.
He emphasized that the CJTF has adopted a proactive approach by monitoring common entry routes and locations used by individuals from the North.
“The CJTF monitors trailer parks, and quarries, and checks truck pushers because we understand the channels through which they enter Lagos. Our people must remain vigilant,” he added.
Furthermore, he clarified that not all people from the northern region are involved in such criminal acts.
“Not all Abokis are bad, but not all are good either. We are committed to keeping Lagos free from Boko Haram and banditry.”
Moreover, Kumar stressed that the CJTF has been in close communication with the Lagos State Government.
“Boko Haram has no domain in Lagos State. The Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor is constantly in touch with us to ensure the people sleep with their eyes closed,” he noted.
He also revealed that many of the insurgents and bandits posing as Nigerians are, in fact, from neighboring countries.
“Whenever you see a man from Borno State, you might feel scared because of Boko Haram,” Kumar explained.
“But many of those you see are not truly Nigerians. That’s not to say there are no Nigerians among them.”
According to him, the CJTF uses intelligence gathering to track people based on origin and movement.
“It’s a fact that Boko Haram originated in Borno State, and we monitor individuals from Borno across Lagos. We know when new arrivals come in because we track the truck routes,” he added.
“A person from Borno can identify others from his state; the same goes for indigenes of Kano and other states.”
While the Boko Haram suspects in Lagos may have been arrested, the CJTF insists that the fight is far from over.
