Army arrests 42 Boko Haram members

Nigerian Army, yesterday, in Lagos, paraded 42 suspected members of Boko Haram sect arrested in their hideouts in Lagos and Ogun states.

Some of the paraded suspects confessed to have killed soldiers and civilians in the northern parts of the country.

They also confessed to have fled Borno State for the western part of the country following the ongoing military intervention.

Parading the suspects before newsmen, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Obi Umahi, stated that the suspects were arrested following intelligence report on the migration of some members of the sect to the South, from the operation’s commander in the South-Eastern part of the country.

He said based on this information at the division’s disposal, a coordinated raid was carried out in some criminal hideouts in both states. He said: “The Command organised and carried out raids in conjunction with intelligence operatives in various parts of these states.

“The Boko Haram members’ influx is adduced to plans to unleash terror in some parts of South-West, which includes 81 Division’s area of responsibility.

“The raids were conducted from 12 to 23 July in various hideouts in Lagos and Ogun states, which are fast becoming Boko Haram enclaves.

“The raids were conducted in Ibafo trailer parks and Ileke new trailer garage in Ogun State; Aviation quarters, Mafoluku Oshodi, Ketu/Mile 12 motor parks, Orile trailer park, Lekki new extension and Bar Beach in Lagos State, where 42 suspects were arrested.

“They all admitted to be members of the sect and also said they had participated in some deadly Boko Haram operations.”