Matilda Omonaiye/
Boko Haram fighters are targeting universities in Lagos, the Nigerian Army revealed at the weekend after arresting eight suspected members of the sect in the state.
According to the Military, the suspects were arrested in connection with plans to attack facilities in Lagos including a university campus.
Reports say that four persons were also arrested about two weeks ago when the insurgents attempted to attack one of the universities in the state, but soldiers of the 81 Division beat them to their game.
General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Olu Irefin said the eight suspects had been transferred to Abuja.
He assured residents of Lagos and Ogun states that there was no cause for alarm and that there is solid security architecture in place.
The GOC said Exercise Crocodile Smile IV had kicked off.
He said: “We have started on the background. We have gone for simulation with all the security agencies involved in the Exercise.
“The exercise proper would kill off on November 19. It was supposed to start on November 11 but was shifted because of the NA’s Small Arms Firing Exercise holding between November 11 and 15 at Ibadan.
“There is no cause for alarm within 81 Division’s area of responsibility. We have been on top of our game on this Boko Haram issue. We are not sleeping and the people are assured of their safety throughout this period and beyond.
“Citizens can go about their lawful duties without panic because security agencies are doing a lot to protect them.”
But the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Zubairu Muazu, said there was no cause for alarm.
He assured residents that adequate security was in place.
“Lagos is safe. There is no Bono Haram scare and the people should not be afraid. We are not sleeping,” he said.
Over 60 suspected Boko Haram suspects have been arrested in different parts of Lagos since 2015. Arrests were made at Kara Market, Agege, Alaba Rago, Lagos Island and Isolo.
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