Lagos Tightens Security After 45 Boko Haram Suspects Arrested

The Lagos State Government has urged citizens in the state to remain calm but very vigilant as the Police and other security agencies intensify efforts to rid the state of hoodlums, armed robbers and suspected terrorists.

Speaking on the heels of the arrest of 45 suspected Boko Haram members who allegedly planned to attack Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi, by the Department of State Security, the Lagos State government expressed confidence in the combined efforts of DSS, Police and other security agencies to keep the state free of terror attacks and stamp out rob­beries and violent crimes. 

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, at the weekend, the state govern­ment vowed not to relent in its constitutional duty to ensure safety of life and prop­erty throughout the length and breadth of the state.

The statement said the current reality is that times have changed and the need to urge every citizen to be more security conscious is now paramount.

“Due to the economic hardship being experienced all over the country with many states and private business owners battling with payments of salaries and wages, Lagos State has become the prime destina­tion for several thousands of people who now throng the state daily with no plan to return, because they be­lieve this is the state where economic succor is available”, Ayorinde said. 

The statement said not only is this internal exo­dus into Lagos putting an unprecedented pressure on road infrastructure and traffic management as well as a burden on housing and hospitals all across the state, it has also constituted security threat which now requires every citizen to be extra vigilant.

“Our appeal goes to every school, housing estates, reli­gious houses, markets and shopping complexes, hotels and restaurants and sport­ing arenas to take issues of security and personal safety more serious these days and to work with both the gov­ernment and security agen­cies in promptly reporting any persons with suspicious activities or unusual gather­ings that may compromise security. Care must also be taken in how domestic ser­vants and house aides are also employed.”