The State Security Services [SSS] in Lagos have kept a tight lip over recent activities of the Nigeria security agencies concerning the movement and detention of Boko Haram suspects and other Jihadist operatives.
Information available to 247ureports.com indicate that the SSS and the relevant security outfits have opted to move the many Jihadist suspects in their custody away from prisons and detention centers located in hotspots of northern Nigeria – to safer regions of the country – such as Lagos and other States in southern Nigeria where their destructive tentacles have yet to show a presence.
Recently over 80 arrested suspects of Boko Haram were transferred from the various detention centers where they were detained – to the Kirikiri correctional facility in Lagos.
A competent source who is close to the activity in Lagos Government House revealed that following the embarrassing ordeal of January 2012 in Kano State where Jihadists launched a simultaneous attacks on six police stations killing over 250 persons and setting free their men held police custody – the federal body of the SSS have remained concerned over properly securing the Jihadists suspects in their custody.
The Kano attack has since been exacerbated by the numerous attacks on detention centers scattered across the north western region of Nigeria – including the early morning attack at the SAR headquarters in Abuja in October 2012 where 25 of Jihadist suspects were released – and two police officers lost their lives in the process.
Our source points attention to the national security adviser’s chosen solution to abating the continuing increase in attacks – as a catch 22 quagmire. The NSA had issued instructions for gradual transfer of Jihadist suspects from northern detention centers to southern centers – without installing prohibitive security structure to counter the expected Jihadist reaction towards the new centers.
It is against this background that some State governors of southern States find themselves in a bind – as how to handle the potentially volatile situation. The Lagos State Governor, Barrister Fashola, a Muslim by religious faith, is reported to have his plate full by the recent transfer of Jihadist suspects to the Kirikiri Correctional Facility.
Our source indicated that Fashola finds himself in a precarious situation where he is forced to maintain a proactive posture -to avert the operatives of the Boko Haram from importing violence onto the streets of Lagos.
According to highly credible but unverified source, Fashola had since opened communications with agents of Boko Haram – to engage creatively. The source added that lines of communication between the two have led to fruitful outcome for the agents of Boko Haram. The Governor agreed to the monthly disbursement of an agreed amount of money to the Boko Haram as “stay away” money.
The financial agreement was reach with the breakaway group from the Shekau led Boko Haram. They had turned down the cease fire pronouncement by the Shekau led group.
The breakaway group, according to unverified reports, had reached final stages in the plan to strike heavily at the Kirikiri Correctional facility – till the lines of negotiation were opened. The group had intended to use the attack to show its reach and power.
Our source however cautioned that Fashola’s disbursement to the Jihadist may not mean all is well or that attack on Lagos has been averted. The agents of Boko Haram are believed to have momentarily postponed they attack plans to enable raise highly needed money from the Lagos Government. It is suspected will happen in due – if the suspects remain at Kirikiri.
In addition to the monthly disbursements, the Jihadists have laid other demands. They asked for the access of interrogation agents to their men be stopped. They do not want their men facing continued interrogation by the investigating security officers.
The monthly amount disbursed is not certain but our source discloses that amounts in excess of N25million have been remitted to the Jihadist. Calls pleased to the Chief Press Secretary and information managers for State Government – were not answered – and the text messages were not responded to.
The Director of SSS in Lagos, Achu Olayi was reached but he declined to comment.
