Combined teams of heavily armed security operatives have launched a round-the-clock surveillance of the coastal and riverine towns in Lagos and Ogun states to check the violent activities of suspected Niger Delta militants.
Our correspondent gathered that the combined teams of security agents who were drawn from the police, the Directorate of State Services, Directorate of Military Intelligence, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps patrol the coastal and riverine settlements in gunboats.
The teams of operatives also provide 24-hour security for the residents of the affected communities.
In addition to patrolling the waterways in state-of –the – art flying boats equipped with mounted Propeller Guns, our correspondent gathered that the coordinating officers “are also saddled with the responsibility of providing both overt and covert intelligence reports with a view to finally checking the nefarious activities of the militants who have been unleashing terror on innocent citizens.”
The violent activities of the suspected militants peaked about three weeks ago when they invaded some coastal villages in Ikorodu, Lagos, as well as Ogijo and Ibafo in Ogun states, killing some of the residents.
The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, narrowly escaped death when suspected militants in the Ibafo area exchanged gunshots with security operatives escorting her convoy during an inspection visit to some of the affected riverine communities in the state.
Our correspondent however learnt that the attacks on residents by the suspected militants have compelled the Lagos State Government to reappraise security in the riverine and coastal communities in the state.
Also, all the neighbouring states are said to have been put on the alert by the state government, while the police in Lagos have been canvassing for useful information on the suspected militants.
Our correspondent who visited some of the coastal towns, including Epe and Badagry observed that security had been strengthened in both areas as well as the border posts.
Also at the Agbara waterways, the security operatives were seen patrolling the entire area.
