NO fewer than 42 suspected members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, have been arrested by men of the 81 Division of the Nigeria Army.
The arrested suspects, said to have been dislodged in the North-Eastern states of Borno, Yobe and others, were, in the last few days, arrested in Lagos and Ogun states.
The suspects were, on Monday, paraded before newsmen in Lagos by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Obi Umahi.
Majority of the arrested suspects were said to have migrated from Borno State to south-western states, particularly Lagos and Ogun, to escape from the Joint Task Force (JTF).
They allegedly confessed to have participated in some deadly attacks by the Islamic sect in the northern part of the country.
The army boss said the suspects were arrested based on intelligence reports that suspected members of the sect had fled the North and heading to the South.
Officers of the division raided Hausa populated places in the two states, including Ibafo and new trailer garage in Ogun State; Mafoluku, Alaba rago, Ijora Badia, Aviation quarters, Oshodi, Ketu Mile 2 motor parks, Orile trailer park, Lekki new extenson and the Bar Beach, all in Lagos State.
“In response to intelligence report on the Influx of Boko Haram terrorists into Lagos and Ogun states, the command organised and conducted raids, in conjunction with intelligence operatives in various parts of these states.
“The terrorists influx is adduced to their plan to unleash terror in some parts of the South-West, which includes 81 Division area of responsibility.
“The raid were conducted from July 12 to 23 in various hideouts in Lagos and Ogun states, which are fast becoming Boko Haram terrorist enclaves.
“From investigations, we cannot say if they are in Lagos to stage an attack or running for their lives. Investigations would reveal that,” he said.
Major-General Umahi added that the suspects would soon be handed over to another security agency, which would carry out further investigations and prosecution.
Security agencies on red alert
Barely nine days to the end of the Ramadan fasting, all security agencies have been put on red alert, following intelligence report of bombings within the country.
The intelligence report from the Directorate of Security Services and sent to all heads of security agencies in the country, revealed a possible terror attack before the end of the Ramadan fasting.
A top security source revealed to the Nigerian Tribune that the intelligence report disclosed that the target areas were churches, mosques, police stations and security agency buildings.
Other targets, according to the source, included government buildings and other vulnerable points.
The source further disclosed that the directive consequently urged all security agencies to beef up security in their areas of jurisdiction.
It subsequently advised that there should be stop and check operations, while motorcycle operators should not be left out in the search.
Consequently, all heads of security agencies in the country had directed their operatives to be vigilant and work round the clock to forestall any terror attack.
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