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Tag: Lagos Task Force

  • Lagos task force impounds 55 commercial vehicles over illegal parking, obstruction

    Lagos task force impounds 55 commercial vehicles over illegal parking, obstruction

    No fewer than 55 commercial vehicles including danfo, mini-buses otherwise called Korope and tricycles popularly known as Keke Marwa were impounded the Lagos State Taskforce for violating the state’s traffic law on illegal parking and obstruction of road.

    The operation aimed at ensuring compliance with the Lagos State traffic Law and restoration of unhindered vehicular movement was carried out at Agege Underpass, roundabout along Ogba Road where commercial buses had caused untold traffic inconveniences to motorists, residents and commuters.

    The operation, led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, which extended to Ogba road, Iju and Ishaga road, addressed long-standing complaints about illegal parking and commercial vehicles obstructing traffic around Agege axis.

    The exercise, was initiated in response to observations drawn through the Agency surveillance and Monitoring unit and the Agency’s “See Something, Say Something” feedback mechanism, swiftly cleared the illegally parked vehicles that had made the roads impassable.

    Residents and commuters along this axis expressed relief, noting that the roads, previously impassable, are now free of traffic congestion.

    Read Also: Lagos task force nabs 74 suspects in Lekki

    Akerele explained that the operation was a significant shift towards maintaining order and ensuring motorists spend less travel time on the roads in this area.

    He said the errant drivers would be charged to court for varying traffic offences.

     Akerele assured residents that the Lagos State Taskforce remains committed to sustaining free flow of traffic compliance currently being carried out by the Agency.

    He further urged motorists and commuters to remain compliant with all roads and traffic laws across the State in order to ensure that our roads remain safe and motorable for all at all time.

  • Lagos task force nabs 74 suspects in Lekki

    Lagos task force nabs 74 suspects in Lekki

    To rid Lagos of criminals and environmental violations, the state Task Force has arrested 74 suspects during a midnight raid in Lekki.

    The operation, which began about 1:30 a.m. yesterday, was spearheaded by the Chairman of the agency, Chief Superintendent of Police, Adetayo Akerele.

    It targeted notorious black spots across Lekki Phase 1 and 2, Ikoyi, Falomo Bridge, Law School, Eko Hotel axis, and Oniru Beach—areas identified through complaints and distress calls from some residents.

    Seventy-two males and two females were apprehended during the raid, which officials said brought order and back to the affected areas.

    Addressing the reporters, Akerele  warned miscreants and criminals across the state.

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    “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 said.

    According to the task force, the raid forms part of its campaign to conduct routine enforcement twice weekly.

    These operations will continue to target criminal hideouts, street urchins, and illegal structures that pose security and environmental threats.

    The suspects are expected to be charged in court.

      Akerele has reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the current momentum in restoring public order, ensuring safety, and promoting a more livable environment for residents.

  • Lagos task force arrests 12 suspected land grabbers

    Lagos task force arrests 12 suspected land grabbers

    The Lagos State Task force has arrested and arraigned 12 suspected land grabbers accused of terrorising residents and business operators in Alausa, Ikeja.

    The suspects were reportedly apprehended following credible intelligence that they obstructed lawful occupants from conducting their legitimate activities.

    While wielding dangerous weapons, they allegedly assaulted a hotel proprietor, Mr. Ashafa of Prestige Hotel, Ikeja.

     Chairman of the Task force, Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele, who led the operation, warned that the state would not tolerate land-grabbing.

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    “The agency will not sit back and watch Lagosians be cheated out of their landed property or structures by unscrupulous elements,” Akerele said.

    He reiterated the task force’s commitment to maintaining law and order and called on residents to report incidents of land-grabbing and intimidation.

    The suspects were promptly charged, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court adjourned the case until March 26, for further proceedings.

    The accused were granted bail of N500,000 each, with two sureties per suspect.

    According to court conditions, one of the sureties must be a civil servant not below Level 14, while the second must either be a relative, clergy member, or community leader.

  • Lagos Task force sacks two officers for stealing during raid

    Lagos Task force sacks two officers for stealing during raid

    The Lagos State Task force says it has dismissed two of its personnel, Fatai Yusuf, 42, and Hammed Garuba, 38, following their involvement in theft during a recent raid.

    The task force’s spokesperson, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

    Gbadeyan said that the officials stole phones during the operation conducted at a hotel in Gowon Estate, known for harboring drug users and traffickers, which resulted in numerous arrests.

    He said that the integrity of the raid was compromised by the actions of the two officials whose misconduct was captured on Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).

    According to him, the culprits were found guilty of stealing mobile phones from the scene.

    “Both individuals, serving as paramilitary officers within the agency, were subjected to a meticulous investigation by the agency’s disciplinary committee.

    “Upon confirmation of their guilt, they were summarily dismissed from service and will face immediate prosecution for theft,” he said.

    Read Also: Lagos task force impounds 82 motorcycles

    The image maker said that the chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, denounced their actions and reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to integrity and accountability.

    “Akerele has issued a stern admonition to all personnel, emphasising that any breach of ethical conduct would attract severe consequences,” he said.

    Gbadeyan said that the taskforce was guided by principles of discipline, equity, and justice, and any act that compromised the agency’s credibility or eroded public trust would be addressed decisively and without hesitation.

    He said that in a related development that those apprehended during the raid had been arraigned.

    “The first group of 53 drug peddlers and users apprehended during earlier operations have been remanded at the Badagry Correctional Centre, after being charged in court.

    “This week, in a subsequent raid targeting drug hotspots and illicit structures within Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, the taskforce apprehended 43 additional suspects.

    “The operation led to the demolition of identified drug hideouts and shanties, to deter recurring criminal activities in the area.

    “All apprehended individuals have been promptly arraigned, underscoring the agency’s relentless commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes and ensuring public safety,” the spokesperson said.

    He said that those actions highlighted the task force’s uncompromising stance on unethical conduct and its dedication to maintaining law and order, in line with the Lagos State THEMES Plus agenda.

    (NAN)

  • Lagos task force impounds 82 motorcycles

    Lagos task force impounds 82 motorcycles

    The Lagos State Taskforce has intensified its crackdown on the illegal operation of commercial motorcyclists, seizing 82 motorcycles during recent enforcement across various areas of the state.

    The operations, which were conducted in Berger, Mile 2 Oke, and Orile, formed part of the government’s efforts to ensure compliance with the ban on motorcycles in restricted areas.

    Chairman, Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, affirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing the law, warning that both riders and passengers who violate the ban would be prosecuted.

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     “Passengers on okada (motor cycles) are as guilty as the riders. If caught, they will face the full weight of the law alongside the riders,” Akerele stated.

    The state government has maintained its stance on the ban, citing safety concerns and the need to keep Lagos roads free from the chaos often associated with commercial motorcycles.

    The impounded motorcycles, according to the taskforce, will be forfeited to the state government following court procedures.

  • Lagos task force deploys additional motorcycles to combat ‘one-chance’ robbers

    Lagos task force deploys additional motorcycles to combat ‘one-chance’ robbers

    The Lagos State Taskforce has deployed additional patrol motorcycles in high-risk areas across the state to combat the increasing threat of “one chance” traffic robbers and related crimes.

    This followed the growing public concern over the activities of the criminals, prompting the task force to intensify its operations.

    CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, announced the expansion of patrol units, particularly in areas notorious for traffic robberies such as Agege Motor Road, Fagba, Gbagada Expressway, Iyana-Oworo, and the Oshodi Expressway.

    The latest deployment, following the introduction of Max S bikes in August, aims to enhance response times and deter criminal activities throughout the metropolis.

    CSP Akerele highlighted the significance of the new patrol motorcycles, stressing that they will strengthen the task force’s ability to swiftly address incidents and apprehend offenders.

    He reassured the public of the task force’s commitment to ensuring the safety of commuters across Lagos.

    “The Lagos State Taskforce is committed to maintaining law and order within the metropolis, ensuring that all citizens can travel without fear of robbery or other criminal activities. These additional patrol units will create a stronger sense of safety for all motorists,” Akerele said.

    Read Also: Lagos task force arrests 54 touts, illegal ticket operators

    The Chairman also urged residents to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities through the agency’s designated helpline, 08089705008, or via the Taskforce’s social media channels.

     He reassured the public that the new security measures would significantly curb traffic-related crimes and enhance the overall safety of Lagos residents.

    Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director of Press & Public Affairs for the Lagos State Taskforce, also confirmed that the agency remains committed to upholding law and order and promoting environmental safety across the state.

  • Lagos task force apprehends six over illegal petrol sale

    Lagos task force apprehends six over illegal petrol sale

    The Lagos State Task Force yesterday arrested six individuals for hawking petrol at exorbitant rates, taking advantage of the ongoing fuel scarcity.

     The suspects, who were apprehended in an operation, which spanned Fadeyi to Maryland and Charity Bus Stop to Airport Road, was spearheaded by the Chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele.

    Those arrested were Toibu Ishola, 44; Yakubu Olayiwola, 34; Adebayo Rasak, 29; Maria Balogun, 50; Motunrayo Dosunmu, 43; and John Ogunfowokan.

    They were found with large quantities of petrol stored in jerry cans and kegs, which they were reselling on the streets.

    CSP Akerele condemned the actions of the suspects, stating that the fuel shortage was not a justification for exploiting the public.

    He emphasised that such unscrupulous practices not only place an additional financial burden on struggling motorists but also pose significant safety risks due to the highly inflammable nature of petroleum products.

    Read Also: Lagos CP vows zero tolerance for gender-based violence

    “We are committed to curbing these illegal activities and ensuring that the safety and well-being of the public are not compromised. The actions of these black market operators are not only cruel but also a severe threat to public safety, as the improper handling and storage of petrol could lead to catastrophic fire disasters,” Akerele stated.

    The task force chairman also warned individuals and groups who might be colluding with petrol stations to illegally divert and sell fuel.

    He urged the public to report any suspicious activities or collaborations related to the illegal sale of petroleum products, assuring that those involved would be dealt with.

    The six suspects will be charged in court, with the seized petroleum products to be forfeited to the state government.

  • Seven held as task force raids illegal traders 

    Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences (Task Force) Unit and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) have dislodged those trading on road setbacks and walkways in Ikeja.

    They gave food vendors  blocking a portion of Awolowo Road, opposite Airport Hotel, Ikeja, 72 hours to quit so as to allow  residents unfettered  access to their homes at night.

    In a statement yesterday,   task force Chairman Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said the illegal traders, hawkers and other environmental nuisances were  impeding free flow of traffic around Kodesho Street, Medical Road and Ikeja Under Bridge towards the railway line.

    The statement said Section 1 of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law 2003 prescribed N90, 000 fine or six-month jail term for  buyers and sellers of goods on all roads across the state.

    “Despite continuous advocacy, enlightenment and appeals from the government, some illegal traders and hawkers are still in the habit of violating the extant environmental laws of the state by causing disorder and serious environmental infraction on the roads through their activities”, it said.

    It warned “all illegal traders and hawkers to vacate the roads in order to drastically reduce inconveniences to motorists, enhance the sustainability of the environment and protect public infrastructure, which are often vandalised by hawkers and street traders.”

    Seven persons were arrested, while goods including fairly-used clothes (okrika),  shoes, belts, electronics, gas cylinders and phone accessories were seized during the exercise.

    Commissioner of Police Zubairu Muazu has directed that they be prosecuted.

  • Task force arrests impostors for extorting money from motorist

    The Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences has arrested two persons for alleged impersonation and extortion of money from a motorist.

    In a statement yesterday, the agency’s spokesman, Taofiq Adebayo, said  Ademola Oyegunwa, 40, and Olaogun Adamson, 48, were arrested at Ojota after they had negotiated and collected N15,000 from the motorist.

    Quoting his boss, Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Adebayo said preliminary interrogations showed that the suspects presented themselves as task force officials and arrested the motorist for traffic obstruction.

    “They arrested the owner of the vehicle for obstruction at Ojota, drove him to Bolade bus stop, opposite the task force office, where they negotiated and collected the N15,000 from him.

    “We have received complaints from motorists, particularly commercial bus drivers, about the activities of these unscrupulous fraudsters who specialise in impersonating officers of the agency and defrauding people.

    Read also: Police team arrested over killing of youth in Lagos

    “The chairman reiterated that police officers attached to the Lagos State Task Force enforcing traffic and environmental sanitation laws wear jackets with the inscription,  ‘LASG TASK FORCE’, for proper identification while on duty.

    “Only Lagos State Task Force and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) are empowered by law to enforce traffic laws on ‘BRT’ corridors across the state’’.

    The suspects will soon be charged to court.

  • Lagos task force arrests four criminals with snatched laptop

    Four notorious criminal were Tuesday arrested with a snatched laptop at under bridge, Oshodi by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Task Force).

    According to a release signed by The Public Relations Officer, PRO. of the Agency, Taofiq Adebayo, the task Force chairman, Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Superintendent of Police, said the criminals were arrested by the monitoring team of the Agency who were strategically positioned around Oshodi.

    The arrested criminals are: Master Ojo Olaomo,  21yrs,  Mr. Damilare Balogun, 20yrs, both from Ibadan, Oyo State,  Mr. Ola Akinwunmi, 25yrs, from Abeokuta,  Master Okiki Nurudeen, 22yrs, both from Abeokuta, Ogun State.\

    Egbeyemi disclosed further that the criminals specialises in dispossessing innocent citizens of the public of their valuables such as phones, laptops, necklaces, wrist-watches, and ear-rings.

    Adding that they were arrested immediately they snatched a laptop from a woman who simply identified herself as Mrs. Adebambo due to security reasons at under bridge, Oshodi.

    The woman said “Immediately my laptop bag was snatched from me, Lagos Task Force Officers chased these criminals got them arrested and recovered my laptop for me”

    She however commended the operatives of the Agency for their prompt interventions.

    Egbeyemi commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for his developmental projects across the State particularly the ‘Lagos light-up Initiatives’

    He noted that with the ‘Lagos light-up Initiatives’ every criminal activity could be easily monitored as everywhere is now illuminated particularly under bridge at Oshodi.

    He confirmed that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni  has directed that the arrested  criminals be immediately charged to court after he was duly briefed .

    Egbeyemi who said anyone caught buying stolen items from criminals would not be spared from prosecution however warned innocent members of the public to be very careful in buying stolen items as fairly used.

    One of the criminals, Akinwunmi pleaded and promised the Chairman of the Agency that if released he would turn a new leaf.

    He confessed that they were ‘a 4-member gang’ and that every snatched or stolen items were been sold as fairly used at either computer village at Ikeja or Obalende.

    A second criminal, Nurudeen said he doesn’t partake in snatching or stealing goods, claiming that he only cordinates on daily basis how every stolen items would be supplied to computer village at Ikeja or Obalende where they would be sold back to innocent members of the public as fairly used.