According to Mr. Kumar Sanda, the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hundreds of suspected Boko Haram operatives have been taken into custody in Lagos State. He made this known during an award ceremony held at the Airport Hotel in Lagos on Wednesday.
During the event, Mr. Sanda was presented with the “Best Security Group in Lagos” award by the Nigerian Human Rights Community in recognition of the CJTF’s role in community safety and proactive security work.
Speaking at the event, the CJTF leader shared details of how the group has been actively working to prevent violent groups from relocating to Lagos from conflict-ridden regions in Northern Nigeria.
He noted that many of the arrests happen at trailer parks, open markets, and quarries—locations often used by new arrivals from the North. According to him, these places are usually monitored closely because they have become known as entry points for insurgents who flee ongoing military actions up North.
“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 hundreds,” Sanda said.
He explained that CJTF officers are deployed to locations where suspicious activity is likely, including checking truck drivers and their assistants, commonly referred to as “truck pushers.” Sanda pointed out that while not everyone from the North is a threat, it is important for Lagos residents to stay alert and report unusual activities.
“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,” he added.
Sanda also noted that their work is supported by the Lagos State government, especially through the Governor’s Chief of Staff, who maintains constant communication with the CJTF to ensure the safety of the state.
“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,” he said.
He further shared concerns about the origin of some suspects, noting that not all insurgents in the North are Nigerian. Many, according to him, cross the borders and blend in with the local population.
“Whenever you see a man from Borno State, you might feel scared because of Boko Haram,” he said. “But many of those you see are not truly Nigerians. That’s not to say there are no Nigerians among them.”
Sanda added that his team pays special attention to people arriving from states like Borno and Kano, as they often know how to recognize fellow indigenes. This, he said, helps the CJTF in monitoring movements within the state.
“It’s a fact that Boko Haram originated in Borno State, and we monitor individuals from Borno across Lagos. We know when new arrivals come in because we track the truck routes. A person from Borno can identify others from his state; the same goes for indigenes of Kano and other states,” he noted.
