The Lagos Police Command has rebuked the Civilian Joint Taskforce (CJTF) over its claims that hundreds of Boko Haram suspects were arrested in Lagos, describing the claims as untrue.

The Lagos Police Command said in a statement that neither Boko Haram nor Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists has been sighted nor seen anywhere in Lagos State, saying the reports claiming same are false, malicious, and ill-intended to cause fear and apprehension in the minds of the public.

Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Lagos State, Mr. Kumar Sanda, on Wednesday said hundreds of individuals suspected to be members of Boko Haram have been apprehended across the State.

Sanda, who spoke during an award ceremony by the Nigerian Human Rights Community held at the Airport Hotel in Lagos where the CJTF was honoured with the “Best Security Group in Lagos” award, said: “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.

“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.

“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.”

But in a statement, Lagos Command Spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh directed an investigation following the claim, stating: “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 in those localities.

“The Command, notwithstanding, deployed surveillance Police detectives, the State 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 of such group as reported in the report throughout Lagos State.”

The Command urged residents to disregard the write-up as untrue, adding that it was unfortunate, despicable and should be outrightly ignored. 

“Members of the public in Lagos State are encouraged by the Commissioner of Police to go about their duties and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension.

“The media are enjoined not to allow the use of their very esteemed publications to  be used to incite fake news, and outright falsehood that can jeopardize the peace and tranquility being enjoyed in Lagos State. 

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to assure Lagosians of their safety and will not be distracted from ensuring adequate security for all Lagosians and the ultimate protection of life and property in the state.

“Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call the control room on 08063299264,” the police command added.