EXCLUSIVE: OP Mesa, SSS Raids, Arrests Chadian Other Suspected Boko Haram Members in Lagos

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

Operatives of the Operation Mesa (OP Mesa), a joint security apparatus comprising of the armed forces, alongside the Department of State Security Service (DSSS), today raided the Ijora-7UP area of Lagos state, and arrested some suspected Boko Haram members.

Although the number of persons arrested could not be ascertained, sources alleged that the raid also uncovered devices suspected to be explosives.

However, sources said the SSS arrested two persons, an Northerner and a Chadian who at the instance off the DSS were allegedly whisked off to Abuja immediately based on the delicate nature of the case.

The suspects were said to have concealed some devices suspected to be explosives in boxes which were stacked in the ceiling of a house they were occupying. Also recovered with the alleged explosives were two AK47 riffles. 

The Spokesperson, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Kingsley Umoh confirmed the raid although he could not confirm if the suspects are Boko Haram members as speculated.

Umoh however said although the raid was a routine one similar to those carried out intermittently in Mushin and Agege as well as other parts of the state, yesterday's raid was based on a tip off from credible sources.

When asked about the claims that the military group recovered some device suspected to be explosives, Umoh said he did not have details of that as well as the number of those arrested during the raid.

Also, reacting to claims that the arrest incited a clash between the soldiers and the hoodlums, Umoh said, "Although people have a tendency to resist arrest, there was nothing like that in this case. They raided and effected arrests without hassles."

When contacted, a high ranking officer of the Lagos State Police Command, debunked claims that the police were among the security agencies that carried out the early morning raid.

Also, the command debunked claims that explosives were recovered by the OP Mesa. The state Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said no explosives were recovered. 

The Lagos State  Director, SSS, Ben Achu-Olayi, asked to be called back. According to him, he was in a meeting but a text message sent to his phone was not replied to either.