Tag: Lagos taskforce

In a move to tackle rising crime in Gowon Estate, the Lagos State Taskforce carried out a strategic early morning raid on Thursday, arresting 20 suspects linked to various illegal activities.

Led by the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the operation uncovered a cache of illicit substances—including Colorado, Indian hemp, narcotics, and other controlled drugs—ingeniously hidden within bundles of Nigerian currency.

Investigations during the raid revealed that some POS operators in the area had allegedly been co-opted into the drug trade, disguising narcotics as cash remittances in ₦200 and ₦500 denominations.

CSP Akerele reiterated the agency’s resolve to rid Lagos communities of criminal elements threatening public safety.

 “This operation reflects our zero-tolerance policy against illegal activities that threaten the peace and security of our communities. The suspects will face the full weight of the law as investigations continue,” he stated. 

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The operation took place across key locations, including 31 Road, Wole Omo-Osho Street, Idoani Street, and areas around Egbeda Market. 

It marks the third in a series of targeted efforts by the Lagos State Taskforce aimed at restoring orderliness and establishing a drug-free society in the region.

The arrested suspects have been charged to court and will face prosecution. 

As part of a broader community safety initiative, the Taskforce has encouraged residents to actively participate in maintaining security by reporting any suspicious activities through their “See Something, Say Something” campaign.

In a bid to clamp down on criminal activities in Obalende and the TBS Bus Terminal, the Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 22 suspected criminals.

The operation, led by Taskforce Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele, took place on Saturday night following repeated complaints from residents and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

CSP Akerele revealed that the suspects were found in possession of dangerous weapons and hard drugs, allegedly using the bus terminal as a base to attack unsuspecting commuters and residents.

The raid is part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and uphold law and order across the state.

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According to the statement of CSP Akerele, “The Lagos State Government remains committed to ensuring the security of its residents. Anyone involved in criminal activities or causing harm to law-abiding citizens will face the full weight of the law”.

He assured the public that routine patrols and surveillance will be intensified in the area to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. 

He also emphasized the Taskforce’s readiness to extend these security measures to other vulnerable BRT terminals across the state.

“I will ensure that other vulnerable BRT terminals across the state are routinely visited to prevent miscreants from launching attacks on innocent Lagosians from there,” Akerele stated.

The Lagos State Taskforce continues to urge residents to report suspicious activities through its feedback channels to collectively maintain peace and security in the metropolis.

The Lagos State Taskforce has apprehended four suspected traffic robbers notorious for targeting motorists during rush hour gridlocks in the city.

The suspects, identified as Ismail Akinlade (26), Rasak Abiodun (25), Adefabi Gbolahan (25), and Rilwan Olaloye (20), were arrested in Mushin following a series of intelligence-led operations.

Their modus operandi involved exploiting bad road conditions to rob motorists of valuables such as phones, bags, and cash.

Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed that the arrests came after weeks of monitoring and investigations into criminal activities in specific parts of the state.

“These individuals reportedly target distracted motorists, stealing valuables while distracting the occupants,” Akerele explained.

During interrogation, one of the suspects, Ismail Akinlade, confessed to his involvement in the crimes and revealed the network behind their operations.

 “Whenever I steal, I give the phone to ‘Number One’ (currently at large) in Mushin, who handles selling our loot. After a while, we return for the cash proceeds, which we spend on drugs and gambling,” he admitted.

Read Also: Lagos Taskforce arrests 53 suspected drug dealers, miscreants in security crackdown

Akinlade further disclosed that the gang capitalized on poor road conditions to corner unsuspecting victims, who are often forced to slow down due to potholes and damaged roads.

CSP Akerele commended the Taskforce officers for their diligence in tracing a stolen phone to the Idi-Oro axis in Mushin, which ultimately led to the suspects’ capture. He warned others engaging in similar criminal activities to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

“All four suspects have been interrogated and will be charged to court immediately,” Akerele stated.

In a bid to enhance the security of lives and property, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) has arrested 53 suspected drug peddlers, addicts, miscreants, and illegal street traders during targeted operations across the state.

A statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, revealed that various illicit substances, including Marijuana, Codeine Syrup, Colorado, and other harmful narcotics, were recovered during the operations aimed at restoring order in affected areas.

“The chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, emphasized that this operation marks a critical step toward securing relief for residents around Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Egbeda, Idimu and its environs who have been affected by the activities of these suspected criminals. 

“Residents have endured trauma and safety risks due to the presence of these unauthorized and wayward squatters.

Read Also: Lagos taskforce warns against blocking roads for parties, social gatherings

“The Lagos State Taskforce remains fully committed to safeguarding all residents, and we will continue our efforts to rid the metropolis of individuals who prey on law-abiding citizens,” stated CSP Akerele.

He said the chairman also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to systematically monitor other criminal hideouts and black spots and abandoned buildings and properties that are not in active use.

This vigilance is intended to deter people of sinister motives to desist or relocate out of the State.

“These arrests underscore our determination to maintain a safe, serene and conducive environment for all. We will not rest until every individual involved in these illegal practices is held accountable. 

“The 53 suspects apprehended for unlawfully engaging in selling and smoking of narcotics, drug peddling and street trading will be promptly charged in court,” he said.

In a bid to ease traffic congestion and enforce compliance with Lagos State traffic and environmental laws, the Lagos State Taskforce conducted a major enforcement operation at Ikotun Bus Stop, opposite Irepodun Market along Idimu Road.

Led by the agency’s Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the operation targeted street traders and commercial buses (danfos) responsible for the area’s notorious gridlock.

The crackdown also extended to Ikotun Roundabout on Ijegun Road, addressing illegal street trading, and walkway encroachments, and illegal parking obstructing traffic flow.

Triggered by feedback from the agency’s “See Something, Say Something” platform, the task force cleared BRT corridors and pedestrian walkways that had become bottlenecks due to unauthorized activities.

Read Also: Lagos taskforce warns against blocking roads for parties, social gatherings

Mrs. Zainab Ajokeade, a resident, praised the effort, saying, “This is a new lease of life for us. The constant gridlock caused by street traders and illegally parked vehicles is finally gone.”

CSP Akerele assured that the enforcement operation would be sustained and expanded to other parts of Lagos State to ensure strict adherence to traffic regulations and market best practices, ultimately improving travel time and public order.

“All the arrested street traders will be charged to court accordingly,” Akerele said.

The agency also urged traders and commercial motorists to adhere to Lagos State laws to avoid future disruptions. Residents welcomed the task force’s actions, calling for continuous enforcement to keep the area orderly and free of impediments.

Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Director of Press and Public Affairs for the Lagos State Taskforce, reiterated that the operation marks a significant step towards ensuring safer and more efficient transportation for all road users in the state.

The Lagos State Taskforce has warned against closing highways for religious gatherings or celebrations, declaring that anyone found participating will be held accountable.

In a statement on Tuesday by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, its Director of Press and Public Affairs, the agency denounced “this practice entirely,” claiming that it is inconvenient for other residents and motorists.

The statement reads partly: “The Lagos State Taskforce has issued a strong warning to residents who habitually block streets and occupy parts of the road to host parties, social gatherings, and religious events, causing inconvenience to other residents and motorists. Committed to maintaining environmental decorum and ensuring smooth traffic flow across the state, the Lagos State Taskforce has condemned this practice entirely.”

The agency’s chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, voiced concern in the statement about the increasing practice of blocking public roadways for private gatherings, pointing out that these activities disturb the lives of law-abiding individuals and provide significant security and safety hazards.

“It is unacceptable for any individual or group to hijack public spaces, especially roads meant for the free movement of people and vehicles, for their own selfish interests,” he stated.

Akerele brought up a recent instance in which the force responded to complaints of noise pollution and traffic obstruction, disrupting a social gathering on Raymond Njoku Street in Ikoyi.

“The event was terminated, and key organisers were arrested.

“We are also aware of similar events on streets like Lawani Street in Yaba, Ganiyu Lamina Street at Ijaye Ojokoro, and other locations across the Lagos Metropolis. We are appealing to those involved in this practice to desist forthwith or face serious legal consequences,” he warned.

The Chairman further emphasised that any action that jeopardizes public safety and the environment or causes displeasure to drivers will not be accepted by the Lagos Taskforce.

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He emphasized that anyone found to be in violation of this directive will face enforcement action.

“Blocking roads for parties or religious events is illegal, and those involved will face the full weight of the law.”

Akerele also reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to ensuring a safer, more orderly environment for all residents.

“The Lagos State Taskforce, in collaboration with other security agencies, will conduct routine monitoring and swift enforcement to prevent further disruption of roads and inner streets. Residents are encouraged to report any road obstructions through the Taskforce’s ‘See Something, Say Something’ initiative to ensure prompt intervention,” the statement added.