Intercepted explosives trigger security watch at Lagos ports

LAGOS — THE nation’s premier port, the Lagos Port Complex, has been put under security watch to ward off possible breaches to which an articulated  truck loaded with explosives meant for the facility is a pointer.

To this end, those responsible for security at the complex came together to put in place measures that will ensure continuous business operations at the port where the nation realises over N100 billion annually.

The issue of security challenges dominated the monthly meeting of the Port Facility Security Officers, PFSO, forum where it was disclosed that six expatriates have been abducted in the last 10 days from a popular plaza on Victoria Island.

Speaking, yesterday, at the meeting, Chairman of the  Port Facility Security Officers Forum, PFSO, Mr. Subaru Anataku, said the explosives laden petroleum tanker intercepted by the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, was actually targeted at the ports in Lagos.

Anataku said the tanker was said to be heading towards one of the tank farms in Apapa before it was intercepted by the Army.

The PFSO boss also urged facilities security officers to ensure that expatriates working at their facilities steer clear of a major plaza in the area for now.

He suggested that every tanker and truck should be thoroughly searched with bomb detectors before they are allowed into the ports, adding that such vehicles should not be allowed to park on the roads anymore.

It was said that sources from military intelligence had indicated that the Malian insurgents were actually targeting the Nigerian ports.




-- Vanguard