By Ocholi Amanabo
LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a stunning revelation, the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Lagos State, Mr. Kumar Sanda, disclosed that thousands of suspected Boko Haram members have been arrested in various parts of Lagos during ongoing counterterrorism operations.
Speaking at an award ceremony hosted at the Airport Hotel, Lagos, where the CJTF was named the Best Security Group in Lagos by the Nigerian Human Rights Community, Sanda outlined the vigilance and surveillance strategies deployed to counter the growing threat of insurgents fleeing from the northern region into Lagos.
“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,” Sanda boldly stated during his remarks.
He explained that the arrests occurred at trailer parks, markets, quarry sites, and other known convergence zones where migrants from northern states arrive and gather.
Sanda emphasized the CJTF’s resolve to prevent Lagos from becoming a safe haven for terrorists and criminal bandits displaced by military operations in the North.
“The CJTF monitors trailer parks, truck pushers, and quarry sites because we understand the channels through which these individuals enter Lagos. We are committed to keeping the state safe from infiltration.”
He cautioned against blanket stereotyping, noting:
“Not all Abokis are bad, but not all are good either.”
Collaboration with Government
Sanda praised the Lagos State Government, particularly the Chief of Staff to the Governor, for maintaining close coordination with the CJTF to ensure security is maintained throughout the state.
“The Chief of Staff is constantly in touch with us. We are working together to make sure the people of Lagos sleep with their eyes closed,” he said.
Concerns About Foreign Insurgents
The CJTF Commander also raised alarm over the presence of non-Nigerian elements among the insurgents, stating that many of those operating under the Boko Haram umbrella are foreign nationals who enter Nigeria illegally.
“It’s true that Boko Haram started in Borno State, but not all of them are Nigerians. Many are foreigners posing as citizens. We monitor new arrivals from Borno and other states as part of our internal intelligence efforts.”
He further explained that members from specific states can easily identify one another, making it easier to track unfamiliar individuals and potential threats.
