Boko Haram Not In Lagos – Police

The Lagos State Police command has refuted reports that some suspected Boko Haram terrorists have moved into the state.

The report had claimed that some members of the deadly sect were arrested by the security agencies in the last few days, raising apprehension among the residents, particularly as Christians are celebrating the Easter.

The magazine reported that the IGP Kayode Egbetokun has directed all police formations across the country to step up security in strategic places, in other to make the Easter celebrations a hit-free event.

Reacting to the report, the Spokesman for the state Police Command Benjamin Hundeyin, said Boko Haram members were not arrested, he however stated that  the Command has commenced full investigation on the issue.

According to him, the police had dispatched investigators to ‘the indicated places’ as soon as the report broke, but the report was debunked by ‘ leaders, drivers,  and operators in the community, urging residents in the state to go about their duties without fear as security agencies are on top of security in the state.

Hundeyin also advised journalists to verify stories before going to the press.

He said, “The outcome of the investigation reveals that there is nowhere throughout Lagos State that the group mentioned in the report – Boko Haram – were seen or sighted or arrested.

“Furthermore, in the trailer park communities mentioned, the leaders, operators, and drivers in the indicated places in the report clarified to the police that there were no such elements of Boko Haram seen or arrested in those localities.

“Members of the public are encouraged by the Commissioner of Police to go about their duties and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension.

“The writer of the story is advised to verify facts and truth of any information before going to the press. ” the police spokesman said.