The Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Lagos, Mr. Kumar Sanda, has revealed that his team has successfully apprehended hundreds of Boko Haram suspects in the state, significantly enhancing security efforts within the region. He made this announcement during an award ceremony held at the Airport Hotel in Lagos, where the CJTF was honored as the “Best Security Group in Lagos” by the Nigerian Human Rights Community. This recognition comes after months of rigorous operations and surveillance to curb the influx of insurgents into the state.
In his speech, Sanda disclosed that the CJTF has been on high alert, intercepting insurgents and armed bandits who have been attempting to relocate from conflict zones in Northern Nigeria to Lagos. The task force has focused its surveillance on key areas such as trailer parks, quarries, markets, and other entry points frequently used by northern migrants. This effort has proven critical in preventing potential security breaches in the city, which remains one of Nigeria’s largest and most economically vital regions.
“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 confidently stated during his address. He elaborated that the task force’s vigilance has been key to stopping insurgents from infiltrating Lagos, particularly through familiar routes, and emphasized the need for continued alertness within the public and law enforcement sectors. “The CJTF monitors trailer parks, quarries, and truck pushers because we understand the channels through which they enter Lagos. Our people must remain vigilant. Not all Abokis are bad, but not all are good either. We are committed to keeping Lagos free from Boko Haram and banditry,” Sanda continued.
He also assured residents that Boko Haram would not be allowed to establish a presence in Lagos. “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 added, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the CJTF and the state government to safeguard the city’s security. This declaration underscores the task force’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability within the state despite the challenges posed by insurgent movements.
Furthermore, Sanda cautioned the public against making assumptions about the nationality of all terrorist suspects. He acknowledged that while some terrorists may indeed be Nigerians, many of them are non-Nigerians who cross the country’s borders and pose as locals. He emphasized the importance of recognizing these individuals based on their origins and noting that while Boko Haram originated in Borno State, not all individuals from that region are affiliated with the terrorist group. “Whenever you see a man from Borno State, you might feel scared because of Boko Haram,” he said, but clarified, “Many of those you see are not truly Nigerians. That’s not to say there are no Nigerians among them.”
Sanda also elaborated on the CJTF’s monitoring systems. He explained that the task force uses intelligence gathered from various sources, including truck routes, to track the movement of individuals from regions notorious for harboring insurgents. “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. A person from Borno can identify others from his state; the same goes for indigenes of Kano and other states,” he noted.
The efforts of the CJTF in Lagos highlight the growing concern over the security challenges posed by insurgents and the proactive measures taken by local security forces to counteract these threats. Despite the increasing number of insurgents attempting to migrate to Lagos, the CJTF’s vigilance has been instrumental in preventing large-scale security incidents in the city, allowing residents to continue their daily activities without fear of terror attacks.