The Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Lagos State, Mr. Kumar Sanda, has revealed that hundreds of individuals suspected to be members of Boko Haram have been apprehended across the state.
Sanda made this known on Wednesday during an award ceremony held at the Airport Hotel in Lagos, where the CJTF was honoured with the “Best Security Group in Lagos” award by the Nigerian Human Rights Community.
Speaking at the event, Sanda detailed the CJTF’s sustained efforts to intercept insurgents and armed bandits attempting to relocate from conflict-ridden areas in the North to Lagos.
He explained that the task force carries out routine surveillance and arrests at key locations including trailer parks, quarries, and markets, areas commonly used as initial points of entry by migrants from the North.
He reiterated the CJTF’s commitment to supporting the Lagos State government’s security objectives by ensuring that the state remains secure and does not serve as a refuge for those fleeing military crackdowns in the North.
“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,” Kumar said.
“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.”
Sanda also cautioned against assuming that all terrorists operating in the North are Nigerians. While not absolving Nigerians entirely, he claimed that many insurgents and bandits are non-Nigerians who infiltrate the country’s borders and pose as citizens.
“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.”
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