Tag: taskforce

The chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, has warned uniformed personnel against operating commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, on highways and other restricted routes across the state.

Akerele gave the warning during an ongoing clean-up enforcement operation aimed at ridding Lagos of commercial motorcycles operating on prohibited routes.

Addressing uniformed personnel who visited his office to appeal for the release of impounded motorcycles seized during enforcement, the Taskforce chairman urged them to comply with extant traffic and environmental laws or risk prosecution.

“I am not wicked, but I am also not weak, and I do not want to be perceived as a weak leader,” he said.

He noted that it sends a wrong signal when security personnel, who are expected to enforce the law, are found violating it.

“As security operatives, we understand the need for you to get to your duty posts on time. However, whatever means you adopt to get there must fall within the ambit of the law. If you are properly dressed in your official uniform and not carrying passengers, your colleagues may exercise discretion to avoid arrest,” he said.

He urged them to adhere to professional standards and refrain from engaging in activities capable of tarnishing the image of their respective agencies.

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“It is embarrassing to the State and the nation to see military, paramilitary, and police personnel using uniforms worn by distinguished veterans as immunity to evade arrest by operating commercial motorcycles, especially when they are expected to be combating criminal activities within their jurisdictions,” he added.

The Taskforce, however, said it has intensified its clean-up enforcement operations across the state.

Areas visited during the latest operation include Ikoyi, Abraham Adesanya Junction, Ogombo, Coastal Road, Ajah, Falomo, and Marina, where some Okada operators were allegedly found violating traffic regulations and constituting a nuisance on highways and newly constructed coastal roads.

The agency said a total of 124 motorcycles were confiscated between January 31 and the time of filing this report.

It added that all confiscated motorcycles would be forfeited to the state government through the courts in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

• By Buchi Wisdom

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce on Friday carried out a raid on street traders and traffic offenders across major locations, including Ikorodu roundabout, Abule Egba, and Iyana Ipaja, after repeated warnings for traders to vacate pedestrian walkways and road corridors.

During the late-night operation, officers cleared traders obstructing free movement, seized both perishable and non-perishable goods, and arrested several commercial bus drivers for flouting traffic rules. Motorists and pedestrians later reported improved ease of movement in the affected areas.

According to the task force’s Head of Press and Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, all confiscated items would be taken to Alausa, where the mobile court will determine their forfeiture to the state government.

He further explained that perishable goods would be distributed to registered orphanage homes, while offenders would be cautioned—except in cases of assault, which would attract prosecution.

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“Our men don’t fight or touch anyone; they simply clear the way for free movement. Vehicles arrested are strictly those that violated traffic rules,” Abdulraheem stated.

The taskforce chairman, CSP Shola Adetayo Akerele, emphasized that the enforcement exercise was in line with the Lagos State Environmental and Road Traffic Laws of 2018.

He noted that street trading had become a recurring menace despite extensive sensitization campaigns through radio and community engagement.

“I personally monitored the Ikorodu axis, and what I saw was unacceptable. Yesterday’s enforcement was a necessary step to restore sanity,” Akerele said.

He warned traders against returning to roadside sales, stressing both the legal and safety risks. “We’ve told them repeatedly: as you plan your business, plan for a shop. Trading on the road puts your life at risk—brake failure or a vehicle accident can happen at any time. Beyond that, once your goods are seized, you face fines, court processes, or total forfeiture. Why not use that money to rent a shop?”

Akerele also urged members of the public to report environmental infractions, assuring continued enforcement across identified flashpoints.

While some residents expressed relief at the clearance, others predicted that traders would return once the enforcement teams leave.

The City Sanitation Operation of the Federal Capital Territory has demolished illegal structures and shanties, popularly called, “Cashew Garden” in Apo Cadastral Zone E27, Abuja.

People living in the shanties battled to salvage their belongings in the rain that fell for hours.

Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who led the operation in Abuja on Tuesday, told reporters during the exercise that the move was to rid the city of criminal elements and miscreants.

Galadima said, “You recall that we were at Zone 3, Wuse and UTC for similar exercises since the commencement of the operation as directed by the FCT Security Committee.

“Today we are in Apo, dislodging shanties and miscreants, posing security threats to residents of the area”.

The Chairman of the garden, Steven Obiozor, said the about 200 occupants were not criminals, adding that the area was given to them to occupy by the owner of the plot.

Obiozor said the occupants built small tents and shops and were mainly selling provisions, food, beer and soft drinks.

Galadima, however, insisted that their occupation of the area and operations was without government authorization and as such, illegal.

Read Also: Lagos taskforce nabs fake officers, seizes 69 okadas in raid

He added that the FCT Administration would revoke the land allocation for harboring miscreants, who go about the city committing crimes.

Galadima said that the area was designated for residential purposes, adding that allocations were made but the allottees failed to develop their plot within the stipulated time.

“So as has been directed by the FCT Security Committee, we are going to take over the area; we are going to possess it,” he said.

He said that the area had been planned with a clearly defined road corridor demarcated by a deep trench.

“The road is what we call the S20, extension of Oladipo Diya that goes through FHA Apo, up to Guzape 2.

“So, the road is clearly defined and the plots are also defined.

“So, we have concluded, based on what we have seen, that all those people that own plots here and allow these people to erect illegal structures will lose the allocations and be reverted to the FCT Administration,” he said.

The director explained that the operation would be extended to all nukes and crannies of the FCT.

Director, Security Services Department, FCTA, Adamu Gwary, said that the operation was making FCT very hot for people with criminal tendencies in the territory.

Gwary, who was represented by the Secretary, Command and Control, Peter Olumuji, said some of the miscreants deal in illicit drugs.

He said, “One thing we want criminal elements to know is that FCT is not a place they can hide again.

“Wherever you go, we are going to pursue you and smoke you out”.

The Lagos State Taskforce has apprehended two suspected impersonators for posing as officials of the agency and extorting unsuspecting motorists in the Oshodi-Iyana Ipaja axis of the State.

The suspects, identified as Paul Anthony (42) and Mukaila Adepo (31), were arrested at Bolade Bus Stop, inward Oshodi-Iyana Ipaja Expressway, by plainclothes operatives of the Taskforce during routine patrol.

The duo, residents of Eniola Adesanya Street and Titilayo Street in Mafoluku and Oshodi, respectively, are believed to be part of a larger syndicate that falsely accuses drivers of traffic offences such as one-way driving, while masquerading as law enforcement officers.

Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, condemned the criminal act and vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice.

“We are determined to prosecute all individuals involved in impersonation and unlawful traffic enforcement. These acts drag the name of the agency through the mud, and we will not tolerate it,” he said.

CSP Akerele reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ridding Lagos highways of criminal elements, stating that the present administration is focused on restoring order and public confidence in state enforcement institutions.

“We are making Lagos uninhabitable for environmental and criminally minded detractors,” he added.

Read Also: Lagos task force seizes 80 okadas

He urged residents to report suspicious activities through the agency’s feedback channels to support the ongoing clampdown on impersonators and illegal enforcement gangs.

The two suspects have been arraigned in court, where they pleaded not guilty. They have been remanded in a correctional facility pending further legal proceedings.

In a related development, the Taskforce also intensified enforcement operations on the ban of commercial motorcycles (popularly known as okada) on restricted routes across the State.

During the operation carried out in the Mile 2 Bridge, Agboju, and Apple Junction areas of Festac, the agency impounded a total of 69 motorcycles. These areas had seen a resurgence of okada operators defying the State’s directives and constituting a public nuisance.

CSP Akerele noted that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

He emphasised that all impounded motorcycles would be forfeited to the State through the courts.

“The Taskforce will continue to enforce all laws geared towards safeguarding the lives and property of Lagosians. We are committed to restoring order and ensuring that our highways are safe and free from illegal commercial activities,” he concluded.

There was a violent clash between commercial motorcyclists and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) taskforce from EFAB bridge after Galadima up to Public Service Institute, Dutsen Alhaji along Kubwa Expressway on Wednesday.

According to eyewitnesses many vehicles were forced to seek alternative routes after pandemonium escalated and forced partial closure of Kubwa Expressway, Abuja at around 11 am.

It was gathered that the violent clash occurred after the taskforce allegedly killed a commercial motorcyclist.

The protesters made a bonfire on the Dutse Alhaji bridge on the expressway while the police fired tear gas canisters to push them back.

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A policeman attempting to escape from the scene was intercepted around Charley Boy area in a vehicle and bludgeoned while the driver escaped.

FCT Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the incident.

She said: “The incident happened between taskforce and Okada riders, one person is said to have been killed, we are investigating to know to know who is killed”.

On claims that a policeman was killed during the clash, she said: “None of our officers was killed in the incident, please disregard the story.”.

The Lagos State Taskforce has launched a major operation targeting miscreants and suspected criminals along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, aiming to address the increasing criminal activities in the area.

The crackdown, which was carried out at key locations such as Chisco Roundabout, Elegushi, Ikate Roundabout, and Marwa Bus Stop, followed numerous complaints from concerned motorists and residents.

Reports indicated a rise in criminal incidents, particularly during rush hour, with hoodlums allegedly ambushing unsuspecting passersby and motorists from hidden spots along the expressway.

Speaking on the operation, chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who acted under the special directives of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Lagos residents.

“We cannot allow these criminal elements to hold our people hostage in their own communities. The State Government remains steadfast in its resolve to protect lives and property. This operation is a testament to our unwavering dedication to this cause,” CSP Akerele stated.

Read Also: Lagos taskforce raids mile 2 Oke, seizes over 2,000 litres of petroleum products

The operation has been met with widespread approval from motorists who witnessed the Taskforce’s efforts to restore law and order along the expressway.

The agency has assured residents that the exercise was part of its mandate as outlined in the THEMES PLUS Agenda of the State Government, which focuses on restoring law and order across Lagos Metropolis.

CSP Akerele further disclosed that before the operation, the task force conducted initial surveillance in the area, revealing that the miscreants were using pedestrian bridges at Ikate and Marwa Bus Stop to spot broken-down vehicles and attack their occupants. He assured the public that these criminal activities have now been completely neutralized.

Residents and motorists are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the Lagos State Taskforce or the nearest police station.

“We remain on high alert and will continue to carry out surveillance and sting operations aimed at safeguarding the lives and property of motorists and residents along this axis and beyond,” CSP Akerele concluded.

The Lagos State Taskforce has launched a major operation along the Mile 2 Oke section of the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, leading to the seizure of over 2,000 litres of petroleum products.

The operation is part of a broader effort to tackle environmental and security issues in the area.

The chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, spearheaded the raid under the directive of the state government and Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade.

The initiative aligns with the THEMES PLUS agenda, which prioritizes the preservation of the environment and the protection of lives and property across the state.

The Mile 2 Oke area has recently become notorious for severe traffic congestion, fueled by the proliferation of illegal roadside vendors and shanties.

Read Also: Lagos taskforce cracks down on Okada operators

The activities have not only disrupted traffic flow but have also contributed to an alarming increase in traffic-related robberies and other criminal activities, endangering both motorists and commuters.

CSP Akerele highlighted the particularly dangerous practice of illegal petroleum sales along the roadside, which poses significant fire hazards.

“Among the most pressing issues addressed was the illegal sale of petrol and diesel by the roadside, where over 2,000 litres of petroleum products were seized. This is a highly dangerous practice that poses a significant risk of fire hazards and explosions. We will ensure that such activities that endanger the lives of these illegal merchants and other road users are brought to a complete halt,” he stated.

The Taskforce dismantled several illegal structures and cleared the area of vendors as part of the operation.

Four suspects were arrested, and numerous items were confiscated during the raid.

The Chairman assured that the arrested individuals would be charged to court, and the confiscated items would be forfeited to the state government through legal processes.

CSP Akerele reaffirmed the Taskforce’s commitment to maintaining safety and order across Lagos State.

“We will continue to monitor the area to prevent the resurgence of illegal activities and to ensure that the roads remain clear for safe and smooth transportation,” he added.

The Lagos State Taskforce has conducted a series of night raids targeting notorious black spots known for illegal drug peddling and other criminal activities.

The raids took place in areas such as Aminkanle Market, NerdC Street by African Shrine in Agidigbi, and various locations in Ikeja, resulting in the seizure of illicit drugs including Colorado, hemp, codeine, and other harmful substances.

Led by Taskforce chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the operations commenced at dusk, a time when illegal traders and drug peddlers typically set up makeshift shops and barricades, causing significant traffic disruptions and environmental nuisances.

These activities have long flouted the state’s environmental laws through indiscriminate drug use and improper waste disposal, posing a threat to public peace.

CSP Akerele emphasised that the raids were part of a continuous effort to address public concerns over the menace of drug peddling, hooliganism, and street trading, which also fosters criminality in these areas.

“The activities of these suspected criminals at Aminkanle, Agidigbi, and NerdC Street, especially at night, endanger public safety and contribute to severe traffic congestion, it is unfair to the residents, and we are committed to eradicating these problems,” Akerele stated.

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Reiterating the Lagos State Government’s commitment, Akerele assured that efforts are in line with the THEMES PLUS agenda to preserve the environment and ensure the state’s security. He called on all criminally minded individuals to relocate or face legal consequences, promising that the Taskforce would thoroughly investigate all areas known for high-level criminal activities.

The Taskforce also appealed to residents to report black spots, illegal drug trading, or any other environmental infractions via the agency’s social media handles or by visiting the agency’s headquarters at Bolade.

During the raids, a total of 124 suspects were arrested. Following careful screening, individuals with legitimate businesses were released, while others are set to be charged in court.

Director of Press & Public Affairs for the Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed that the raids and subsequent actions are crucial steps towards ensuring a safer and cleaner Lagos for all its residents.