Boko Haram: Army beefs up security in Lagos

The military and other security agencies have beefed up surveillance around critical infrastructures in Lagos.

This move, it was learnt was as a result of the infiltration of some Boko Haram commanders and elements into Lagos and other southern states.

Following the offensive launched by the military in the Northeast theatre zone, many of the fleeing terrorists, according to security agencies have inf

iltrated the southern parts of the country where they are said to be regrouping.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai hinted on the infiltration at the weekend in Lagos, while addressing troops of the Nine Brigade.

He called on his personnel to collaborate with other security agencies, whom he disclosed have already arrested a handful of the terrorists.

But a security source who does not want to be named told The Nation that security has been beefed up around the ports to forestall an attack.

He said all vehicles going in and out of the various ports, as well as other critical government infrastructures are being thoroughly searched because Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) could be hidden in anyone.

The source stated that even tankers and trailers entering the Apapa and Tin Can ports are being thoroughly searched because the military does not want unpleasant surprises.

“IEDs could be hidden in anything or any car, so there is nothing wrong with security being beefed up. People should consider the catastrophe should any bomb explodes around the ports.

“The damage that would be done to lives and properties cannot be innumerate.  Aside that, foreign ships will not want to berth in Lagos again, resulting to serious economic loss.

“It is in the interest of all that a combined team of military and civil security agents are work in tirelessly to avoid any unpleasant surprise in Lagos.

“We are aware the terrorists have infiltrated and that is why we are acting ahead of them, beefing up intelligence and clearing all areas that they could hide without raising suspicion,” he said.

Meanwhile The Nation also gathered that the newly introduced Treasury Single Account (TSA) has been affecting the military and other security agencies adversely.

It was learnt that even the ongoing joint operations being carried out at Ikorodu, which started over the weekend, was being impeded by logistics.

Security sources who lamented the difficulties they were experiencing, wondered why the federal government included them in the TSA, since they do not generate revenue.

A very senior security officer who spoke in confidence said that the President should understand that security operations are usually spontaneous, adding that no one could estimate the amount that will be required.

He disclosed that nearly all security agencies have been crippled by the TSA, adding that providing welfare for foot soldiers in the Ikorodu operation has not been easy.

Another source who hinted that both air and land patrols have been conducted with military crafts, boats, wondered how effective it would be for security agencies to have to apply to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), before fuelling operational vehicles to pursue criminals.

He said: “This TSA has almost crippled our operations. Security agencies should have been exempted from it since we are not money generating. It is very difficult to keep men and material intact in an operation without enough resources.

“There are certain emergency situations that require spontaneous action. But with this TSA, one has to apply to the CBN, which may not understand the importance of urgency.

“I just hope that the President, who also has security background, will understand that it cannot work in our situation.

“We are not a money generating sector, at least, not yet, so, they should weigh the options and consider that which is most suitable especially at this critical time.”

The Nation