The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as Lagos Taskforce, arrested 277 suspects in its week-long operation targeting criminal hideouts and environmental infractions across the state, in its move to reinforce public safety and eliminate criminal activity.
The operation, orchestrated by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, was carried out at about 1:30 a.m., the Taskforce Director, Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, disclosed on Sunday, May 25.
The Taskforce personnel reportedly combed multiple hotspots, identified through residents’ complaints, and security intelligence.
Key locations covered included Victoria Island, Osborne Road, Coastal Road, Chevron, First & Second Roundabout, Obalende, Ikota, Lekki Phase 1 and 2, Ikoyi, Falomo Bridge, Law School, Eko Hotel axis, Oniru Beach, as well as Ketu, Isale Oja, AP Roundabout, and railway corridors in Agege on the mainland.
The arrest of the 277 suspects significantly restored order and public decency in affected areas that had been plagued by street urchins, hooligans, pickpockets, and other criminal elements, the Taskforce spokesman said.
Speaking on the success of the initiative, CSP Akerele emphasised on the Agency’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property and the environment throughout Lagos State.
“Those who choose to undermine the peace and security of our communities must desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
“We will not relent in our efforts to ensure a safer and cleaner Lagos,” he stated.
CSP Akerele also disclosed that this exercise forms part of a broader, ongoing initiative by the Agency to carry out routine enforcement across all days of the week, focusing on known black spots, illegal occupations and criminal enclaves with the goal of systematically rooting out lawlessness.
He made it known that all the 277 suspects had been duly charged to court in accordance with extant laws of the state.
