CJTF Arrests Hundreds Of Boko Haram Suspects In Lagos

Hundreds of suspected Boko Haram members have reportedly been arrested in Lagos State, according to Mr. Kumar Sanda, Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Lagos.

Speaking at an award ceremony on Wednesday, April 16, Sanda highlighted the CJTF’s ongoing operations aimed at preventing the infiltration of Boko Haram insurgents and fleeing bandits from the North into Lagos.

He stated that arrests are frequently carried out at key locations such as trailer parks, quarries, and markets—places where Northern migrants typically gather after arriving in the state.

Kumar said: “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.”

“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, “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.”

Kumar further asserted that a significant number of the arrested insurgents and bandits are not Nigerian nationals. According to him, these individuals often cross into the country through porous borders and disguise themselves as citizens, making it more challenging to identify and apprehend them.

“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.

“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.”