Lagos Taskforce arrests 33 in crackdown on criminal elements

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Lagos Taskforce, has arrested 33 suspects during a renewed enforcement operation targeting criminal activities across parts of the state.

This was made public in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Affairs of the Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem.

According to Abdulraheem, the operation, conducted in the early hours of Monday, formed a part of the agency’s routine enforcement drive in line with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda and zero-tolerance policy on environmental degradation, drug abuse, and criminality.

The exercise targeted street urchins, suspected drug addicts and peddlers, illegal commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders), street traders, ticket touts, and other individuals whose activities allegedly threaten public safety and environmental order.

Areas covered during the operation included Ikate Bus Stop, Marwa Bus Stop, Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction, and adjoining locations along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The agency said several exhibits were recovered from the suspects, including substances suspected to be Tramadol, Indian hemp, Colorado, and cannabis, as well as dangerous weapons such as scissors and cutlasses.

It added that the operation restored normalcy to the affected locations.

According to the Taskforce, all 33 suspects have been arraigned before the appropriate courts under the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, where applicable.

Speaking after the operation, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce and a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reiterated the agency’s commitment to combating crime across the state.

Akerele said: “There is no room for criminality in Lagos State. 

“Those engaged in criminal activities should either desist or relocate. 

“We remain committed to enforcing the laws of the state and ensuring that residents continue to enjoy a safe, secure and orderly environment.” 

Akerele also urged officers to sustain ongoing enforcement operations and intensify efforts to tackle criminality, noting that the agency had made significant progress in curbing illegal “Omotaku” operations on Lagos roads.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖