‘Intended to cause fear’ — police deny report of Boko Haram arrests in Lagos

The Lagos police command has denied a report that Boko Haram suspects have been apprehended in the state.

On Thursday, Kumar Sanda, the commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Lagos, was reported to have said thousands of suspected Boko Haram members have been arrested in the city.

“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 was quoted as saying.

In a statement on Friday, Benjamin Hundeyin, the state’s police spokesperson, said following the publication, Olohundare Jimoh, police commissioner, directed an immediate investigation of the claim.

Hundeyin said the investigation revealed that no Boko Haram member was seen or arrested anywhere in the state.

“Furthermore, in the trailer park communities mentioned, the leaders, operators, and drivers in the indicated places in the report clarified to the police that there were no such elements of Boko Haram seen or arrested in those localities,” the statement reads.

“The command, notwithstanding, deployed surveillance police detectives, the Lagos State Police Intelligence Department (SID), and other formations of the Force to the mentioned places for the purpose of verification of the claim.

“No one confirmed the presence or arrest of such group members as reported in the write-up throughout Lagos State.

“Therefore, the report in its entirety is false, malicious, and ill-intended to cause fear and apprehension in the minds of the public.”

Hundeyin said the report was a figment of the imagination of the writer, while urging residents to go about their normal businesses without fear.

“Members of the public are encouraged by the Commissioner of Police to go about their duties and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension,” he said.

“The writer of the story is advised to verify facts and truth of any information before going to the press.”

The spokesperson assured residents of their safety and the police’ commitment to protection of lives and property.

He encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call the control centre on 08063299264.