Scores of suspected Boko Haram arrested in Lagos, CJTF reveals
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Lagos State has disclosed that thousands of suspected Boko Haram members have been arrested in the state as part of a broader effort to prevent insurgents and bandits from infiltrating the area.
The Commander of the Lagos CJTF, Mr. Kumar Sanda, made the revelation at an event organised the Nigerian Human Rights Community, (NHRC) held in Lagos on Wednesday.
Some of the receipients of the Award were the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) Mr Ola Olukoyede, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Education Loans Fund, (NEFUND) Mr Akintunde Oluwole Sawyerr and Prince Benson Onuwaje.
Speaking at the event,the NHRC Director of Publicity, Mr Taiwo Adeleye said the award was organised to recog ise excellence and the positive energy of the individuals listed.
The event held at the Airport Hotel in Lagos, where the group received the Best Security Group in Lagos award from the Nigerian Human Rights Community.
The Civilian JTF was awarded as the best security Company on Lagos State for the year 2024.
Sanda stated, “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.”
He said the CJTF receives support from the Lagos State Government.
He said the group has intensified surveillance and security operations across Lagos, monitoring trailer parks, quarries, and markets to track the movement of suspected insurgents.
Around 2009, Boko Haram elements were said to have attempted bombing the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge before they were arrested by security operatives.
The Commander said “The CJTF monitors trailer parks and quarries and checks truck pushers because we understand the channels through which they enter Lagos,” Sanda explained.
He emphasized the importance of vigilance, noting that not all northerners are bad, but some may have malicious intentions. “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 reassured Lagosians that the state is safe, saying, “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.”
Addressing public fears about northerners, particularly individuals from Borno, Sanda said, “Whenever you see a man from Borno State, you might feel scared because of Boko Haram. But many of those you see are not truly Nigerians.
That’s not to say there are no Nigerians among them.” He added that many insurgents are foreign nationals who infiltrate the country and disguise themselves as locals.
The CJTF continues to work closely with the Lagos State Government to maintain the state’s status as an insurgency-free zone.
