Lagos Taskforce sweeps streets, arrests 33 suspected criminals

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, has arrested 33 suspected criminals during a coordinated enforcement operation across key parts of the state, recovering suspected hard drugs and dangerous weapons in a renewed crackdown on crime and environmental disorder.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday, formed part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to tackle criminality, drug abuse, illegal commercial motorcycle operations and environmental infractions in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda.

According to the agency, the exercise targeted suspected street urchins, miscreants, drug users and traffickers, illegal commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders), street traders, ticket touts and other individuals whose activities constitute security and environmental concerns.

The enforcement team combed several identified flashpoints, including Ikate Bus Stop, Marwa Bus Stop, Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction and adjoining areas along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

At the end of the operation, 33 suspects were taken into custody, while security operatives recovered exhibits including substances suspected to be Tramadol, Indian hemp, Colorado, marijuana and cannabis, as well as dangerous weapons such as cutlasses and scissors.

The agency said the operation restored normalcy to the affected locations, which had witnessed increasing activities of suspected criminal elements.

It added that all the suspects have been charged 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 exercise, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reiterated the agency’s resolve to rid Lagos of criminal elements and maintain public order.

“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,” he said.

Akerele urged officers of the agency to sustain the ongoing intelligence-led enforcement operations across the state, stressing the need to intensify efforts against criminal activities just as the agency had significantly curtailed the menace of illegal commercial motorcycle operations on Lagos roads.