By our reporter| Following the increase in the spate of violent attacks in many parts of the country and rumours of an impending attack in Lagos, the Lagos police command says it is “working seriously” to prevent any form of terrorist attack in the state.
The state command spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, who spoke during a Twitter Space on Saturday, which was monitored by PUNCH, said all security apparatus in the state have been “optimally deployed” to prevent any attack.
He further stated that the Department of State Services (DSS) has also been sharing intelligence reports with the command.
“We are working seriously with other security agencies. Many times when I am with the commissioner of police, Abiodun Alabi, the Department of State Services keeps sending intelligence reports to us,” he said.
“All resources are available, from human resources to gadgets. Our equipment has been optimally deployed to ensure that we don’t have any attack in Lagos.
“The people also have a role to play by reporting suspicious movements to security agencies. It’s a collective thing. On our part, we are not just ignoring it, we are at alert.”
Also in a statement on Sunday, Hundeyin said the command has asked its operatives to be on the watch for any potential attack.
According to him, Abiodun Alabi, the Lagos commissioner of police, has placed the state intelligence bureau (SIB) on red alert.
“Also placed on alert are all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders, in a bid to ensure that any planned attack is promptly and decisively nibbed in the bud,” the statement reads.
“The Command is also working closely with other sister security agencies to ensure that no person or group of persons succeeds in destabilising the peace and serenity enjoyed by the good people of Lagos State.”
Terrorists plan to attack Lagos, Oyo, Ogun – Gani Adams
Meanwhile, Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, on Sunday said he has received intelligence report that terrorists have moved into forests in Osun, Oyo, and Ogun states.
Adams, who made the disclosure via a statement by Kehinde Aderemi, his special assistant on media, said the terrorists were seen with a large cache of ammunition.
He called on south-west governors to fortify the operations of the south-west security network, code-named Amotekun.
“Now that Abuja has seemingly lost the battle to terrorists, the south-west region has been the next target of these destroyers of hope,” the statement reads.
“Information reaching me today is that the terrorists are in-between Osu forest and Ile Ife, Osun state, fully armed with various ammunition and they are presently in the forest between Abeokuta and Ibadan planning to attack us in the south-west.
“This is one information that we need to act on in order to avoid possible calamity. Yoruba aren’t cowards. So, let everybody in the south-west be vigilant and be watchful in checking this insecurity scourge that is already stiff-necking Nigeria.
“We will never allow them to destroy our land. Therefore, we urge the six governors in the south-west states to hold an urgent emergency security meeting with stakeholders across the region so as to address the impending implosion.
“We are aware of their plans to strike in Lagos, Ibadan, Oyo state, and Abeokuta in Ogun state, however, I implore all the governors in the south-west to recruit local security service structure in their various local governments.”
Adams, while stating his readiness to offer his assistance if needed by any of the south-west governors, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to redeem his image and use his power to establish state police before leaving office.
“The insecurity situation has reached its peak with the threat by these terrorists to kidnap the president, governors, and lawmakers,” he said.
“Nigeria is going down because it looks as if there is no government in the country. It looks as if this administration has decided to force Nigerians to seek self-help.
“The president has about 10 months left in office. This is the time to redeem his image. President Buhari can use his executive powers to allow the immediate establishment of state police with a mandate to flush out all the terrorists stationed in strategic places in the country.”
DSS arrest Boko Haram leader in Abeokuta
There was anxiety in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, following the arrest of a suspected Boko Haram leader.
According to Daily Trust, the suspect was arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) at Ijaye area of Abeokuta.
The suspect, according to sources familiar with the operation, initially put up a resistance before bowing to the superior power of DSS operatives during the operation carried out at night.
The suspected terrorist reportedly arrived in Abeokuta from Katsina, took up security job at Ijaye, while gathering intelligence for terrorist attacks.
Security source said he moved to Abeokuta to set up terrorists’ cell for kidnapping and terror attacks.
And following intelligence gathering, the gun-wielding security operatives stormed his hideout and picked him up.
“It was not an easy ride. Intelligence and the grace of God were sufficient for the operatives. There are still many of them around, but we are on top of our game,” the source said.
The suspect currently is in DSS custody.
The development comes amid the reports of the alleged plan of terrorists to attack some states in the South West.
When contacted, the DSS Spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, neither denied nor confirmed the arrest.
“No comment,” he said while responding to a text message.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, however, said he was not aware of any arrest.
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