Lagos, Ogun Infiltrated by Boko Haram; Army Parades 42 suspects; Boko Haram plans to strike during Eid-el Fitri - SSS

Forty-two suspected members of the outlawed Boko Haram terrorist group were paraded before newsmen, on Monday 29th, July by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Obi Umahi in Lagos.

The suspects were arrested in various parts of Lagos and Ogun States between July 12 and 23.

Parading the suspects at the headquarters of the 81 Division, Gen. Obi Umahi, said they were seized during raids done in conjunction with intelligence operatives following plans by the sect to unleash terror in

parts of the Southwest.

“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 Army said the raids were conducted at Ibafo trailer park and Ileke new trailer garage in Ogun State; Aviation Quarters at Mafoluku, Oshodi; Ketu/Mile 2 Motor Park; Orile Trailer Park; Lekki new extension and Bar Beach, which are fast becoming Boko Haram terrorist enclaves.

Umahi said that during interrogation, some of the suspects gave useful information that led to the arrest of others.

Although most of the suspects spoke in Hausa language, a few who managed to communicate in pidgin, confessed that they have been involved in terrorist activities in the past and have killed soldiers and civilians in the northern parts of the country.

They also confessed to have fled North-Eastern states of Borno, Yobe and other States for the western part of the country following the ongoing military intervention.

The GOC reiterated security agencies’ determination to rid Lagos of terrorists, adding that the suspects would be handed over to security agencies.

“We are bent on ensuring that Lagos and its environs remain safe for Nigerians and will not hesitate to fish out criminals,” Gen. Umahi said.

Gen. Umahi, however, refused to disclose if weapons were recovered during the raids.

In another development, all security agencies have been put on red alert, following intelligence report of bombings within the country barely nine days to the end of the Ramadan fasting,.

The intelligence report from the Directorate of Security Services 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 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.