We’re ready to tackle terror attacks – Lagos Police

Lagos Police spokesperson, Superintendent Benjamin Hundeyin

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin has assured that the police and other security agencies are prepared for any planned terrorists’ attack on Lagos.

While responding to a question on threats by terrorists to invade Lagos, Suprentendent of Police Hundeyin told his audience during a Twitter Space webinar that the police had been receiving intelligence reports and ready for any eventuality.

Two terrorist groups – the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram – are reportedly planning to attack some states in the North West, North Central and South West. Cities said to be the target of attacks included Lagos, Kaduna, Kogi, Katsina and Zamfara, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Last Thursday, terrorists attacked a military checkpoint at Zuma Rock, a border between Niger State and Abuja, the FCT. The recurring attacks across the country have left Nigerians worried about the safety of their lives, their relatives and property.

Hundeyin said: “We are working seriously with other security agencies. Many times that I am with the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, the Department of State Services keeps sending intelligence reports to us”, adding that the Police were not working in isolation, but rubbing minds with other securities to forestall any attack.

“All resources are available, from human resources to gadgets. Our equipment has been optimally deployed to ensure that we don’t have any attack in Lagos”, the Police spokesman said.

He however urged Lagos residents to assist the Police and other security agencies in providing them with timely information on suspicious movements.

“The people also have a role to play by reporting suspicious movements to security agencies. It’s a collective thing. On our part, we are not just ignoring it, we are at alert”, he said.

Hundeyin said that the state’s Police Commissioner was engaging all the Area Commanders and the Divisional Police Officers, among others on the matter.

“Most of us have families, and relatives in Lagos, my parents are in Lagos and I know that if I don’t do my job, it’s not just the people out there that will be affected, we (the police) will be affected by this. We’re all Nigerians and we’re together in this,” he added.