Gun recovered as Lagos taskforce nabs 46 suspects in multiple raids

By Deborah Akpede

Forty-six suspected criminals were arrested during operations conducted by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce on Friday as part of efforts to rid the city of criminal elements.

The operation began at 9 a.m. and covered several locations across Lagos Island, Victoria Island and the Lekki axis of the city.

The agency’s spokesperson, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos.

He listed other areas where the suspects were arrested to include Muri-Okunola Park, Victoria Island; Obalende Underbridge; Law School Junction; Maroko; Sandfill by Mobil Bus Stop; and Marwa Bus Stop.

Gbadeyan said the exercise was part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of street urchins, miscreants, drug addicts and other criminal elements.

He said the operation also targeted peddlers, illegal commercial motorcyclists, street traders and illegal ticket touts.

“The operation led to the arrest of 46 suspects, while exhibits recovered included substances suspected to be Indian hemp, Colorado and cannabis,” he said.

He added that a cutlass and a locally fabricated dane gun were also recovered during the operation.

According to the spokesperson, normalcy had been restored in all the areas visited by the enforcement team.

Gbadeyan said the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to deny criminal elements any breathing space in Lagos State.

He quoted Akerele as saying that enforcement operations would be sustained across the state to ensure public safety and maintain order.

The spokesperson said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017.

He added that the suspects would also face prosecution under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018. (NAN)