The Lagos State Police Command has refuted recent claims by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) alleging that hundreds of suspected Boko Haram members were apprehended in the state.
In a statement released late Thursday, the Command firmly dismissed the report as “false, malicious, and intended to incite fear and panic among residents.”;
The statement emphasized that there has been no verified sighting or arrest of Boko Haram operatives in Lagos.
Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who signed the statement, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has ordered a formal investigation into the claims to determine their origin and motive.
The Command reiterated its commitment to public safety and urged citizens to disregard unfounded reports while remaining vigilant.
“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 in those localities.
“The command, notwithstanding, deployed surveillance police detectives, the State Intelligence Department (SID), and other formations of the Force to the mentioned places for the purpose of verification of the claim. No one confirmed the presence of such a group as reported in the report throughout Lagos State,”; said the police.
The command urged residents to disregard the article as untrue, adding that it was unfortunate, and should be ignored.
“Members of the public in Lagos State are encouraged by the Commissioner of Police to go about their duties and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension.
“The media are enjoined not to allow the use of their very esteemed publications to be used to incite fake news, and outright falsehood that can jeopardize the peace and tranquillity being enjoyed in Lagos State.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to assure Lagosians of their safety and will not be distracted from ensuring adequate security for all Lagosians and the ultimate protection of life and property in the state,” he said.
