Security alert as Boko Haram infiltrates Lagos

With intelligence reports that commanders of the Boko Haram sect and some of its foot soldiers have infiltrated Lagos and other southern states, security agencies have been placed on red alert, as they have beefed up surveillance around critical infrastructures in the commercial capital.

According to security agencies, many of the sect members who were displaced following the renewed military offensive in the Northeast theatre zone, have relocated, and infiltrated the southern parts of the country where they are said to be regrouping.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai who hinted on the infiltration at the weekend in Lagos, while addressing troops of the Nine Brigade, called on his personnel to collaborate with other security agencies, whom he disclosed have already arrested a handful of the terrorists.

But a security source who does not want to be named revealed that security has been beefed up around Lagos, especially at the ports to forestall any attack.

Read also:

He said all vehicles going in and out of the various ports, as well as other critical government infrastructures are being thoroughly searched because Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) could be hidden on anyone.

The source stated that even tankers and trailers entering the Apapa and Tin Can ports are being thoroughly searched because the military does not want unpleasant surprises.

“IEDs could be hidden in anything or any car, so there is nothing wrong with security being beefed up. People should consider the catastrophe should any bomb explodes around the ports.

“The damage that would be done to lives and properties cannot be innumerate. Aside that, foreign ships will not want to berth in Lagos again, resulting to serious economic loss.

“It is in the interest of all that a combined team of military and civil security agents are working tirelessly to avoid any unpleasant surprise in Lagos.

“We are aware the terrorists have infiltrated and that is why we are acting ahead of them, beefing up intelligence and clearing all areas that they could hide without raising suspicion,” he said.

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now