IGP restrained from entering creeks by security operatives over militant base bombardment

DESpite last weeks bombardment of Arepo and Ikorodu creeks, the area remains impregnable as military operatives are still apprehensive of accessing the places inhabited by militants and vandals.
This gives credence to the insinuation that the criminals only went under water while the bombings lasted.
The commanding officer of the military tactical base, Lt Colonel Julius Ogbobe told the acting Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who visited the shores of creeks at Oke-ho area of Ishawo, Ikorodu,  yesterday point blank not to enter into the creek.
According to him; ‘’Although we have succeeded in destroying some of the vandal’s camps,  some of the suspects have escaped to other areas.
‘’The creek is not accessible, making it a difficult area to operate. That is why we have not been able to move in. But in the next 24 hours, our operation will move farther into the creeks.
‘’The vandals have different commanders operating in their camps. Some have escaped while some are still there.
He however assured his visitor that; ‘’With the clearing of an access route into the creeks, the remaining vandals will be taken care of soon.’’
Speaking about recovered items, the operation leader said; ‘’They include two locally made guns, two generators, eight dane guns, 32 live cartridges, two laptops, one magazine of AK 47 and one magazines of GPMG and one handcuffs, 18 cutlasses, two Mopol badges, two Ecobank withdrawal booklets, INEC voter's cards and FCMB deposit slips.
He said, “We want to find out the depositors and the owners of the phone numbers.
The soldiers said they could not access the creeks, calling on the state government to assist them by building an access road. He said the state government should also assist in bringing cutting machines to clear the creeks.
According to him, 11 arrests had been made so far in the operations.
The acting Inspector General of Police, in a response after making a detour at the entrance of the creek praised the recent military operation which saw the destruction of several militants camp within the Arepo and Ishawo areas.
The IGP, who was on a working visit to Lagos State, challenged the residents to cooperate with the police by providing information on activities of criminals within their area.
He assured residents of the restive Isawo and Arepo areas of Lagos and Ogun State of his commitment to ensuring safety of lives and property.
He urged fleeing residents in the area to remain calm as he is currently collaborating with sister agencies in ensuring that the area is safe for them.
While urging the residents to remain calm he said;  “I am here on behalf of the security agencies. I have come to see things for myself and I am also here to boost the morale of the officers and men of other security agencies that have been doing so much to curtail the activities of militants and vandals. I am assuring you of our support and I will also ensure that more marine policemen are deployed to this area.
‘’I want to encourage residents to support police activities in the area. If you see any bad person, do report such to the police, because everyone has a responsibility to move the nation forward. He thanked the residents for their cooperation and asked them to support the security agencies to ensure that peace returns to the community.’’