Boko Haram: Police arrest 500 foreigners in Lagos
A video grab made on March 21, 2013 from a video distributed to
reporters by purported intermediaries of the Islamist group linked to
Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, shows the suspected leader of the Nigerian
Islamist group linked to Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, Imam Abu Muhammad Ibn
Muhammad Abubakar Ash Shekawi, also known as Abubakar Shekau, at an
undisclosed location in Nigeria. AFP
No fewer than, 500 nationals of some neighbouring countries resident in Lagos, were yesterday arrested by the state police command in connection with Thursday’s arrest of two Boko Haram suspects at Ijora area of the state.
Saturday Vanguard gathered that the arrests which was coordinated by operatives of the State Intelligence Bureau,SIB, and police divisions across the state, were carried out during raids of several locations in the state.
Some of those arrested, according to eyewitness included women and young children.
But sources at the command said that the raid was reportedly ordered by the state Police Commissioner, Umar Manko, who asked his men to fish out suspected Boko Haram infiltrators into the state.
According to the police sources those arrested were detained at the Police Command’s Headquarters, Ikeja,
where they were rigorously interrogated, documented and vetted.
Most of the arrested were later discovered to be Chadians, Nigeriens and Malians who had no proper documentation to stay in the country.
”We are waiting for the CP’s order on what to do with the foreign nationals who do not have any business Lagos” the source stated.
The National Vice Chairman, Arewa Youth Development Association of Nigerian, Shuaibu Dansudu, who was at the command headquarters, to secure the release of some Hausa residents of Oke-Odo Market, Ile-Epo and Oja commended the police for making efforts at ensuring that members of the deadly Boko Haram sect do not infiltrate the state.
Dansudu however, asked the Federal Government to do all it can to ensure that the sect’s insurgency was put to an end.
”Government needs to do all it can to ensure peace in all parts of the country even if it requires granting them amnesty. We can not continue to live like this,” he pleaded
Meanwhile, residents of Oyegbemi Street, at Ijora 7up area of the state where two Boko Haram suspects were arrested have commended the security agencies for apprehending the suspects.
Oluwa Idowu, a resident whose uncompleted building is situated next to the area where one of the suspects was arrested, urged landlords in the state to properly vet their would-be tenants before letting their apartments to them.
”I was shocked when I heard the news but I am not familiar with the man because he just moved in three months ago. But I am grateful to God that he was arrested before he succeed in carrying out his plans. But this issue is an eye opener to landlords and home owners in this state.
We must be wary and properly vet people we rent our apartments to; so we do not fall victims to evil.
By doing so, we will assist the security agents in discharging their jobs,” She stated.
