NO fewer than 42 suspected members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, have been arrested by men of the 81 Division of the Nigeria Army.
The arrested suspects, said to have been dislodged in the North-Eastern
states of Borno, Yobe and others, were, in the last few days, arrested
in Lagos and Ogun states.
The suspects were, on Monday, paraded
before newsmen in Lagos by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division
of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Obi Umahi.
Majority of the
arrested suspects were said to have migrated from Borno State to
south-western states, particularly Lagos and Ogun, to escape from the
Joint Task Force (JTF).
They allegedly confessed to have participated in some deadly attacks by the Islamic sect in the northern part of the country.
The army boss said the suspects were arrested based on intelligence
reports that suspected members of the sect had fled the North and
heading to the South.
Officers of the division raided Hausa
populated places in the two states, including Ibafo and new trailer
garage in Ogun State; Mafoluku, Alaba rago, Ijora Badia, Aviation
quarters, Oshodi, Ketu Mile 2 motor parks, Orile trailer park, Lekki new
extenson and the Bar Beach, all in Lagos State.
“In response
to intelligence report on the Influx of Boko Haram terrorists into Lagos
and Ogun states, the command organised and conducted raids, in
conjunction with intelligence operatives in various parts of these
states.
“The terrorists influx is adduced to their plan to
unleash terror in some parts of the South-West, which includes 81
Division area of responsibility.
“The raid were conducted from
July 12 to 23 in various hideouts in Lagos and Ogun states, which are
fast becoming Boko Haram terrorist enclaves.
“From
investigations, we cannot say if they are in Lagos to stage an attack or
running for their lives. Investigations would reveal that,” he said.
Major-General Umahi added that the suspects would soon be handed over
to another security agency, which would carry out further investigations
and prosecution.
Security agencies on red alert
Barely
nine days to the end of the Ramadan fasting, all security agencies have
been put on red alert, following intelligence report of bombings within
the country.
The intelligence report from the Directorate of
Security Services and sent to all heads of security agencies in the
country, revealed a possible terror attack before the end of the Ramadan
fasting.
A top security source revealed to the Nigerian
Tribune that the intelligence report disclosed that the target areas
were churches, mosques, police stations and security agency buildings.
Other targets, according to the source, included government buildings and other vulnerable points.
The source further disclosed that the directive consequently urged all
security agencies to beef up security in their areas of jurisdiction.
It subsequently advised that there should be stop and check operations,
while motorcycle operators should not be left out in the search.
Consequently, all heads of security agencies in the country had
directed their operatives to be vigilant and work round the clock to
forestall any terror attack.
Source: Tribune
