Police Allays Fear On Infiltration Of Boko Haram In Lagos

Against the backdrop of claims by the Department of State Security that it stopped the infiltration of armed groups especially members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect in Lagos, the state government has assured that the security agencies have put strategies in place to prevent such infiltration.

The Lagos state Police Commissioner, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, gave the assurance while briefing journalists at the end of the state monthly security meeting on Tuesday at Alausa, Ikeja.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode presided over the meeting.

The police boss also gave a brief overview of strategies being put in place to prevent armed groups from infiltrating the state.

He said; “It is important that we do not allow any form of armed groups to come into the state before reacting. This is why we have put in place proactive measures such as constant raids on dark spots and criminal hide outs as well as random checks at entry points into the state”.

He however urged all law abiding citizens to continue to go about their legitimate business without fear of molestation.

The CP also assured that the law enforcement agencies in the state will intensify its enforcement against street trading as well as ensure the Road Traffic Law is enforced to the letter.

Owoseni, said the meeting discussed various issues bothering on street trading, robbery in traffic, influx of elements suspected to be members of Boko Haram and some other issues, with a way of finding lasting solution to them.

According to him, “The meeting looked holistically at what transpired in the state in the past one month with a view to finding lasting solution. For instance, we discussed about issues on street trading, robbery in traffic, influx of elements being taken as Boko Haram noticed in the metropolis in the past few days”.

He also assured that the section of the Traffic Law as it relates to restriction of movement of trailers and articulated vehicles between the hours of 6am to 9pm will be enforced in a manner that will not impede commercial activities in the state.

The CP, however, said that Section 2(1) of the law exempts trucks conveying petroleum products and passenger vehicles.

“We shall ensure we enforce the law, most especially with the truck drivers complying with the extant laws and also ensure that extant laws on street trading is enforced, with regards to that we shall look at human element in enforcing the law”, he said.

He said aside from enforcements, the council has also decided to embark upon sensitization and public enlightenment as a strategy to dissuade members of the public from patronizing street traders.

“We shall do a lot of enlightenment with regards to that. With enforcement, we combine it with enlightenment and synergise with stakeholders to make sure that the laws that have been enacted are obeyed and we enforce them strictly.

“We’ve also stepped up efforts on where okada are prohibited and we keep up the effort on that. In the course of enforcement we won’t add to the gridlock. We appeal to members of the public to beware of fake security operatives coming to them”, he said.