No fewer than 42 suspected members of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, have been arrested by men of the 81 Division of the Nigeria Army.
The suspects were on Monday paraded before news men in Lagos by the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Obi Umahi.
Majority of the arrested suspects were said to have migrated from Borno State to many of the South West states, particularly Lagos and Ogun States, just to escape from the Joint Task Force.
Many of the arrested suspects were said to have confessed to have participated in some deadly attacks by the group in the northern part of the country.
Umahi stated that the suspects were arrested based on intelligence reports, which he received from the operation’s commander in the South Eastern part of the country that suspected members of the group had migrated from the North and were heading to the South.
It was further gathered that officers of the division raided areas populated by Northerners, including Ibafo and Leke New Trailer garage in Ogun State; and Mafoluku, Alaba Rago, Ijora Badia, Aviation Quarters, Mafoluku Oshodi, Ketu Mile 2 motor parks, Orile trailer park, Lekki new extension and Bar beach, all in Lagos State.
The army boss said: “In response to intelligence report on the Influx of Boko Haram terrorist elements into Lagos and Ogun States, the command organized and conducted raids, in conjunction with intelligence operatives in various parts of these States.
“The Boko Haram terrorist’s influx is adduced to their plan to unleash terror in some parts of the South West, which includes 81 division area of responsibility.
“The raid operations were conducted from 12 to 23 July in various hideouts in Lagos and Ogun States, which are fast becoming Boko Haram terrorist enclaves.
“From investigations, we cannot say if they are in Lagos to stage an attack or running for their lives.
“Further investigations will reveal that.”
According to Umahi, the suspects will soon be handed over to another security agency, which will carry out further investigations and prosecution.
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