The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) Commander Kumar Sanda has revealed on Wednesday that hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists have been arrested in Lagos State.
The revelation has sparked fears in many residents of the state, who had earlier been assured that the state is fortified against insurgents operating in other parts of the country.
Speaking at an award ceremony held at the Airport Hotel, Lagos, where the CJTF was named Best Security Group in Lagos by the Nigerian Human Rights Community, Sanda said the arrests were part of efforts to prevent the infiltration of insurgents and bandits fleeing military operations in the North.
According to him, the suspects were apprehended in trailer parks, quarries, markets, and other known entry points used by migrants arriving in Lagos 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,” Sanda said.
He added that the task force has intensified its surveillance across the state, particularly in areas known to serve as congregation points for new arrivals.
“The CJTF monitors trailer parks and checks truck pushers because we understand the channels through which they enter Lagos. Our people must remain vigilant,” he noted.
Sanda emphasized that while not all migrants from the North pose a threat, some may be linked to extremist groups. He reiterated the CJTF’s resolve to keep Lagos secure.
“Not all Abokis are bad, but not all are good either. We are committed to keeping Lagos free from Boko Haram and banditry,” he stated.
The CJTF Commander also credited the Lagos State Government for its support, noting that the Chief of Staff to the Governor is in constant communication with the group to ensure coordinated security efforts.
He further cautioned against stereotyping all northerners, but alleged that some insurgents in the country may not be Nigerians.
“Many of those you see are not truly Nigerians. That’s not to say there are no Nigerians among them,” Sanda said. “Whenever you see a man from Borno State, you might feel scared because of Boko Haram, but a person from Borno can also identify others from his state.”
He assured Lagos residents of the CJTF’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
