LAGOS RANT: Is Lagos safe?

Source: News 24

As Boko Haram bombs continue to claim innocent lives in the north, one cannot but imagine the possibility of these horrors playing out in Lagos. The thought of multiple bomb blasts in this city has left me in a state of paranoia. Now I am faced with the visions of horrifying scenes of bombed out cars, mangled flesh and cries of innocent victims caught in this madness that has turned our country into another Pakistan.

My fears increase each time I remember how easy it was for a lone bomber to break through security at the Force Headquarters, almost taking out Nigeria's number one cop. As I reflected on our county's descent into the abyss, I could not but spare a thought for the millions of residents of Lagos who think they are far removed from these atrocities but yet so near.

The probability of terrorists targeting Lagos is high. Indeed Lagos will be a prime target for any radical organization that wants to give a voice to their ideology. This city is home to foreign missions and several international organizations. So a strike on Lagos, by a group like Boko Haram will announce to the world that they are to be taken seriously. I was quick to remind some doubters recently who thought Lagos was immune, about the MEND attack in Atlas Cove that caught the Police Command unawares and left Lagosians in shock. That attack jolted the authorities to the risk this city faces in the hands of radical organisations. An ideological group like Boko Haram for example will find Lagos attractive and, make no mistake, they are coming here.

Terrorists all over the world are attracted to the big hit. They want to cause massive havoc that will make the authorities take them more seriously. They want to strike at the root of their targets' economic, social and religious institutions. That was why Bin Laden talked of the big hit that would shake the world (a reference to 9/11). That was why they attacked the Pentagon.

And that is why terrorists continue to cause havoc all over the world.

Is Lagos ready? Do the authorities anticipate an attack on this city? What is the present state of security in Lagos especially preemptive intelligence gathering that would detect and ward off dangerous groups like the Boko Haram or deranged individuals? Have we forgotten the lone bomber that climbed the staircase of Super Screen TV and later detonated the bomb on himself? I am not an alarmist but has anyone visited the Murtala Muhammed International Airport lately? The state of security there is appalling. On Sunday, when I visited, all manner of people milled round the arrival and departure Halls.

Outside, unaccredited fellows stalked me to change foreign currency or to patronize unmarked taxis. I have also imagined multiple bombs going off on Third Mainland Bridge at peak hours, and other places in Lagos. Can the Lagos Police Command protect Lagosians? The recent killings by terrorists in cities in the north should keep the state government on its toes. There is a possibility of this happening here soon and that is why police must take preemptive measures to safeguard the lives of residents. But I am apprehensive about the capacity of the law enforcement agencies to deal with an attack on Lagos given the fact their counterparts in other parts of the country have failed to keep Nigerians safe.