The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed claims that Boko Haram suspects were arrested in the state, calling the report false and aimed at inciting public fear.
On Thursday, Kumar Sanda, head of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Lagos, allegedly claimed that thousands of suspected Boko Haram members had been apprehended in the city. “If I mention the number of Boko Haram members we’ve arrested in Lagos State, it would be hard to believe. But we’ve arrested thousands,” he reportedly stated.
In response, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin issued a statement on Friday saying Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh immediately ordered an investigation into the claims. According to Hundeyin, the investigation found no evidence of any Boko Haram presence or arrests across the state.
The statement emphasized that leaders and workers in the trailer park areas mentioned in the original report confirmed that no such individuals were seen or detained there.
“To verify the claim, surveillance officers, the Lagos State Police Intelligence Department (SID), and other police units were dispatched to the specified areas. No arrests or sightings of Boko Haram members were reported anywhere in Lagos State,” the police said.
Hundeyin condemned the report as entirely false and designed to stir panic, assuring residents that there is no cause for alarm. He urged the public to ignore the rumor and continue their daily activities without fear.