The Lagos Command of the Civilian Joint Task Force has disclosed that thousands of suspected Boko Haram members have been arrested across the state in a sweeping security operation aimed at preventing infiltration by insurgents fleeing military bombardments in the North.
Commander of the Lagos CJTF, Mr. Kumar Sanda, made the revelation on Wednesday during an award ceremony at the Airport Hotel in Lagos, where the group was honoured as the Best Security Group in Lagos by the Nigerian Human Rights Community.
“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 explained that CJTF operatives have maintained a robust surveillance strategy, targeting trailer parks, quarries, markets, and other arrival hubs known to attract new migrants from the northern region.
According to him, the arrests form part of a broader mission to ensure Lagos does not become a safe haven for insurgents and bandits escaping from military operations in the North-East.
“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. Not all Abokis are bad, but not all are good either. We are committed to keeping Lagos free from Boko Haram and banditry,” he added.
Sanda further stated that the Lagos State Government, through the Chief of Staff to the Governor, maintains close coordination with the CJTF to bolster intelligence and ensure effective protection of residents.
“Boko Haram has no domain in Lagos State,” he said, stressing that the command’s presence is crucial in forestalling threats and guaranteeing residents “sleep with their eyes closed.”
He also warned against the assumption that all terrorists operating in the North are Nigerians, claiming many insurgents and bandits are foreigners who cross porous borders and disguise as locals.
“Whenever you see a man from Borno State, you might feel scared because of Boko Haram,” he said. “But many of those you see are not truly Nigerians. That’s not to say there are no Nigerians among them.”
Sanda noted that due to the origins of the insurgency in Borno, the CJTF closely monitors individuals from the state who newly arrive in Lagos, using established truck routes and internal intelligence to track their movements.
The CJTF, a civilian volunteer security network, has become increasingly visible in Lagos as part of state-wide efforts to combat emerging security threats and supplement official law enforcement agencies.
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