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The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Lagos Taskforce, has arrested 33 suspects during a fresh enforcement operation targeting criminal elements and environmental offenders across key parts of the state.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday, swept through 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.
According to the agency, the exercise focused on street urchins, suspected drug addicts and peddlers, illegal commercial motorcyclists, street traders, illegal ticket touts and other individuals allegedly involved in activities that threaten public safety and environmental order.
Officials said several exhibits were recovered during the operation, including substances suspected to be Tramadol, Indian hemp, Colorado, marijuana and cannabis, as well as dangerous weapons such as cutlasses and scissors.
The Taskforce said the operation restored normalcy to the affected locations, adding that all suspects had been charged before the appropriate courts in line with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, where applicable.
Speaking after the operation, Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining its enforcement campaign against criminality across the state.
“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 also urged Taskforce personnel to intensify intelligence-led operations aimed at tackling crime and other illegal activities, noting that the agency would continue to build on its recent successes in curbing the activities of illegal commercial motorcycle operators on Lagos roads.
The chairman said the renewed enforcement drive aligns with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly its commitment to combating environmental degradation, drug abuse and criminality.
He reiterated that the Taskforce would sustain intelligence-driven operations across the metropolis to rid the state of criminal elements and maintain law and order.
