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Tag: taskforce

  • Lagos taskforce raids hideouts

    Lagos taskforce raids hideouts

    The Lagos State Task Force yesterday raided some  areas being used by street traders and homeless individuals.

    They are Akin Adesola Street and the area opposite Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, which obstruct pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

     Chairman, Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said: “The operation is all about enforcement as part of my responsibility to arrest and prosecute street traders and those who have converted public roads for commercial purposes. It is my responsibility to arrest and prosecute them.

    “We have warned them and also arrested them before now and we are still going to arrest them if they still occupy this place.’’

     Akerele urged the public, particularly street traders, to find legitimate business premises. “My message to the public is that they should go and get a shop. If you must sell in Lagos, go and get a shop for yourself. The road is meant for the public to use, the walkway is not meant for people who are selling to come and convert it for commercial purposes. They should go and get a shop for themselves.”

    Read Also: Why we must support Tinubu to succeed, by Fubara

    He assured that the raids would be an ongoing exercise until compliance is achieved. “These raids are ongoing and will be a continuous process until they stop using the public road for commercial purposes,” Akerele concluded.

    Director of Press and Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem states that the operation was part of the efforts by the government to ensure public safety and orderliness, restoring the intended use of roads and walkways in the city.

  • Taskforce cracks down on illegal motor parks, 84 vehicles impounded

    Taskforce cracks down on illegal motor parks, 84 vehicles impounded

    In an effort to address the persistent traffic gridlock and associated criminal activities, the Lagos State Taskforce has initiated a rigorous enforcement operation targeting illegal motor parks and bus stops along Adeniji-Adele and surrounding routes.

    Led by the chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the operation resulted in the impoundment of 84 vehicles.

    Akerele emphasised that the unchecked activities of commercial bus drivers, commonly known as “danfo” operators, have been a major cause of significant traffic congestion, adversely affecting motorists and residents.

    Akerele stated: “Motorists should not endure prolonged travel times due to the actions of a few. The occupation of lanes to create illegal bus parks is completely unacceptable. If operators wish to pick up or drop off passengers, they must use designated bus parks.”

    The chairman assured that the enforcement exercises will be ongoing and intensified, extending across various parts of the state.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Police, military storm bandits’ camp arrest suspects in Abuja

    He described the initiative as a people-oriented effort to ensure Lagosians can properly utilize public amenities without unnecessary hindrance.

    In a related operation, the task force also addressed similar issues on Awolowo Way and Ipodo Street near Ikeja Under Bridge, where illegal car parks and garages have created traffic bottlenecks.

    Akerele confirmed the removal of all illegally parked vehicles and warned that the days of commercial bus drivers using unapproved locations are numbered.

    “Go-slow is not natural, not created by God. It is caused by the activities of a few recalcitrant drivers,” Akerele remarked, highlighting that these obstructions exacerbate rush hour traffic, spilling over to the Third Mainland Bridge and Kodesoh Street, making those areas nearly impassable.

    The operation did not spare operators of kiosks and makeshift stores on walkways, as officials cleared structures blocking pedestrian pathways on Adeniji-Adele. Traders on Ipodo Street were also warned to move their goods off the road or risk confiscation.

    Akerele assured residents that the restored order and serenity achieved during the weeklong exercise would be maintained.

     The director of press and public affairs for the Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, stated that these measures are part of a broader effort to improve the daily lives of Lagosians by ensuring compliance with traffic regulations and public space utilization.

  • Taskforce seizes 355 motorcycles in Lagos

    Taskforce seizes 355 motorcycles in Lagos

    In continuation of its clampdown on recalcitrant commercial motorcycles, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) yesterday impounded 355 commercial motorcycles for flouting the Traffic Laws.

    The cycles were seized in a simultaneous operation conducted across the metropolis by the agency.

    The over five-hour operation which was led by Taskforce chairman, CSP Shola Jejeloye, focused on bikers plying the highways and major routes during the traffic rush hour.

    Confirming the seizures in a statement yesterday, the agency’s Director, Press and Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the success recorded in the operation was impressive.

    “Our success today is one of a kind as a result of the numbers of bikes seized in this axis. We have visited Alakija and Abule Ado weeks ago but we had to revisit here again and also included Trade Fair/Badagry Expressway this time in order to achieve this result, and also send a clear message to these intractable okada riders,” he quoted Jejeloye to have said.

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    He said all seven trucks deployed for the raid were fully loaded with bikes, adding that it was evident there was no place for commercial motorcycles in a mega city like Lagos.

    He said Jejeloye highlighted the complexities involved in effecting the arrest of an okada rider which he disclosed was more difficult than apprehending an armed robber.

    “Arresting an okada rider is more difficult than arresting an armed robber because of the nature of these bikes. Once they sight us they can do and undo by maneuvering and riding against traffic, thereby endangering their lives, passengers and that of other road users,” he stated.

  • ‘Blockage of inner streets for parties illegal’

    ‘Blockage of inner streets for parties illegal’

    • By Halimah Balogun 

    The Lagos State Taskforce has said it will no longer allow the blockage of streets or roads in the state by individuals for parties and other social activities 

    A statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdbulraheem, said Chairman of the Agency, Shola Jejeloye, described the act as selfish and inconsiderate ‘as it slows down vehicular movement and inconveniences persons going about their business’.

    Jejeloye noted that areas like Lagos Island, Oworonshoki and Agege, are notorious for such activities, and added that such would be checked forthwith.

    Read Also: Lagos issues seven-day warning notice to Lekki illegal building owners

    The statement reads: “It is unacceptable that one would selfishly and ignorantly cordon off an entire street to throw parties and social events, causing noise pollution and traffic gridlock. It is the height of irresponsibility and, henceforth, anyone caught doing such will be arrested and charged to the mobile court immediately.”

    Jejeloye appealed to Lagosians who are in the habit of blocking streets and roads to desist forthwith or face the wrath of the law.

    He warned residents that if such an event is to hold, permission must be gotten from the appropriate authorities and a copy submitted at the taskforce headquarters.

    He said: “The public are urged to please report any activity of blockage of inner streets or roads for social gathering to the nearest police station, or to the Lagos State Taskforce for necessary action. All hands must be on deck to ensure that sanity is maintained in the metropolis.”

  • We’ll investigate complaints against Taskforce – Police

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu on Wednesday assured that allegations of corruption, extortion against policemen attached to the state’s Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation will be investigated.

    He stated this while responding to questions from reporters after his brief on recent arrests recorded.

    Acknowledging that he had also received such complaints about the agency, Muazu said he had invited the Taskforce Chairman Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) for a meeting.

    Noting that the Taskforce was a state government agency despite having police components in it, Muazu assured that a positive result will come out of the meeting.

    “I have recently received complaints about the operations of the Taskforce and I want to assure you that this afternoon, we are hosting the Commander of the Taskforce here. We are going to have a meeting with him.

    “Though there are police officers in the Taskforce, we should know that it is an outfit created by the state government and so, we must collaborate with the Commander in handling any issue about officers there. I assure you that something positive will come out from today’s meeting,” he said.

    On armed gangs terrorising Amukoko, the Commissioner said he received the report and immediately took charge of the situation by directing the Area Commander and Divisional Police Officer to move in their men there.

    “Our police officers moved in there and made sure peace was restored to the area. We have not gotten report from the DPO yet, I will let you know how many arrests were made as soon as we get it.

    “What the command is doing is not different from the general strategy we have taken against the operation of cultists in the whole state. We have identified areas in the state where these cult activities are prevalent and we have mounted an operation with Area Commanders and the DPOs to ensure that these activities are totally wiped off.”

    Confirming the dismissal of the drunk policeman who shot a school girl at Ikorodu, Muazu said he had been handed over to the legal team for prosecution.

    He said the command will not tolerate cases of professional misconduct of policemen, urging residents to come forward with information on any cop found drinking at beer parlours or any other unethical behaviour.

    “I want to call on you to assist us. Where you see this misbehaviour, please let us know, we are here for you and with your cooperation we can sanitise those around us. If you see any please let us know, we are always here to listen to you, and always ready to take those police officers through orderly room procedures and show them the way out of the police force.”

  • Taskforce denies involvement in death of school girl at Ikorodu

    Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (TaskForce) has denied any involvement in the death of a young school girl, Adijat Shakiru at Akoun Village, Ikorodu, Lagos who was shot by a policeman on Wednesday last week.

    Chairman of the Task Force, Mr. Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Chief Superintendent of Police refuted the allegation in a press statement released on Sunday signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Agency, Mr. Taofiq Adebayo.

    The statement said operatives of the Agency were not involved in any enforcement operations around Ikorodu as reported on Saturday, 23rd of March, 2019.

    Read also: Kano election: Police dispel rumour on curfew

    Egbeyemi disclosed further that it became necessary to correct the misrepresentation due to persistent inquiries from members of the public and need to set the records straight.

    He said it was unfortunate that the inaccurate report has generated negative comments that portrayed the task force team as an irresponsible organisation.

    He however confirmed that a young school girl was killed in Ikorodu but that the police officer involved in the incident was not attached to the Lagos State Task Force.

    “It is on record that the Officer who killed a 17-year-old Adijat Shakiru at Ikorodu, one Sergeant Mudi Emmanuel has been arrested and is undergoing ‘orderly room’ at Provost Marshall Unit for professional misconduct over the killing”, he stated.

    He also reiterated that the Lagos Police Command has clarified that “the action fell short of the rules of engagement for the use of firearms and professional standards for police”, adding that the Officer would soon be charged to court for murder.

     

  • CENSORS BOARD RECONSTITUTES TASKFORCE ON ILLEGAL MOVIES

    CENSORS BOARD RECONSTITUTES TASKFORCE ON ILLEGAL MOVIES

    IT was a heart lifting development for filmmakers who attended the inauguration of a special taskforce, constituted by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to checkmate the upsurge of unlicensed and unclassified movies in the country.

    The move was one of the steps taken by the new Executive Director of the NFVCB, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, who assumed office barely three months ago.

    The feat, according to many, was a subtle approach to minimize piracy of intellectual property in Nigeria.

    Inaugurating the 8-man taskforce at the Ikoyi office of the agency, Thomas said the reconstituted national taskforce against unwholesome movies, was one of the mandates given him by President Muhammadu Buhari “to revitalize the dying dreams of the founding fathers of the film industry, whose shear efforts brought the sector to phenomenal limelight, but have so far recorded pains and tears as a result of the sabotaging works of people bent on crippling the industry.”

    Acknowledging that  the Nigerian motion picture industry was built on the sweat and toils of its doyens, and not by government, the NFVCB boss said, “My own responsibility therefore as one of the representatives of the government is to rekindle dashed hopes and fertilize the soil for their seeds to thrive and reap bountiful harvests from their toils and labours in the sector.”

    According to Thomas, the entertainment industry in Nigeria is the second largest employer of labour in Nigeria after agricultural sector; estimated to employ over one million Nigerians, hence the policy objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Buhari administration is to increase film production by 15 percent on an annual basis, export videos to generate USD1 billion in foreign exchange by 2020 and improve enforcement of intellectual property rights for artistic works produced in Nigeria.

    To achieve this, Thomas said, comes the need to enforce intellectual property rights in the film industry.

    “We have therefore selected men and women of impeccable character, cutting across various interests in the industry, thoroughbred professionals who have immensely contributed to the sector, and who know exactly where the shoe pinches,”

    Chaired by the NFVCB ED himself, the national taskforce which is headed by veteran filmmaker, Patron/Advisor to the Board, Chief Eddie Ugboma, has as its members, Head of Lagos State Film Censors Board, Mr. Dele Balogun; notable marketer, Igwe Gab Okoye, aka Gabosky; and notable northern Nigerian filmmakers, Hajia Aisha Alilu and Mallam Malik Awah. Others are actor Saint Obi and film marketers Norbert Ajaegbu and Olatunji Ojetola.

    According to the ED, the taskforce will work closely with members of the Police, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and other relevant agencies to achieve results.

    The taskforce is expected to specifically look into issues regarding proliferation of unclassified or unapproved movies, Influx of foreign movies dubbed in indigenous languages, and movie distribution by unlicensed agents.

    In their acceptance remarks, the members of the taskforce were unanimous on the need to bring sanity to the film industry.

  • Censors Board reconstitutes taskforce on illegal movies

    Censors Board reconstitutes taskforce on illegal movies

    It was a heart lifting development for filmmakers who attended the inauguration of a special taskforce, constituted by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to checkmate the upsurge of unlicensed and unclassified movies in the country.

    The move was one of the steps taken by the new Executive Director of the NFVCB, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, who assumed office barely three months ago.

    The feat, according to many, was a subtle approach to minimize piracy of intellectual property in Nigeria.

    Inaugurating the 8-man taskforce at the Ikoyi office of the agency, Thomas said the reconstituted national taskforce against unwholesome movies, was one of the mandates given him by President Muhammadu Buhari “to revitalize the dying dreams of the founding fathers of the film industry, whose shear efforts brought the sector to phenomenal limelight, but have so far recorded pains and tears as a result of the sabotaging works of people bent on crippling the industry.”

    Acknowledging that  the Nigerian motion picture industry was built on the sweat and toils of its doyens, and not by government, the NFVCB boss said, “My own responsibility therefore as one of the representatives of the government is to rekindle dashed hopes and fertilize the soil for their seeds to thrive and reap bountiful harvests from their toils and labours in the sector.”

    According to Thomas, the entertainment industry in Nigeria is the second largest employer of labour in Nigeria after agricultural sector; estimated to employ over one million Nigerians, hence the policy objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Buhari administration is to increase film production by 15 percent on an annual basis, export videos to generate USD1 billion in foreign exchange by 2020 and improve enforcement of intellectual property rights for artistic works produced in Nigeria.

    To achieve this, Thomas said, comes the need to enforce intellectual property rights in the film industry.

    “We have therefore selected men and women of impeccable character, cutting across various interests in the industry, thoroughbred professionals who have immensely contributed to the sector, and who know exactly where the shoe pinches,”

    Chaired by the NFVCB ED himself, the national taskforce which is headed by veteran filmmaker, Patron/Advisor to the Board, Chief Eddie Ugboma, has as its members, Head of Lagos State Film Censors Board, Mr. Dele Balogun; notable marketer, Igwe Gab Okoye, aka Gabosky; and notable northern Nigerian filmmakers, Hajia Aisha Alilu and Mallam Malik Awah. Others are actor Saint Obi and film marketers Norbert Ajaegbu and Olatunji Ojetola.

    According to the ED, the taskforce will work closely with members of the Police, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and other relevant agencies to achieve results.

    The taskforce is expected to specifically look into issues regarding proliferation of unclassified or unapproved movies, Influx of foreign movies dubbed in indigenous languages, and movie distribution by unlicensed agents.

    In their acceptance remarks, the members of the taskforce were unanimous on the need to bring sanity to the film industry.

  • Lagos raises special security taskforce

    Ahead of the yuletide, the Lagos State government, in collaboration with leadership of markets and transport unions, has set up a special taskforce with the aim of ensuring adequate security, free-flow of traffic and safe business operation around the Central Business Districts (CBDs).

    Special Adviser to Governor Akinwumi Ambode on CBD, Agboola Dabiri, stated this at a stakeholders’ forum “Curtailing traffic/removal of all impediments to free human and vehicular movement in ensuring a free Yuletide for Residents”, held at the Onikan Youth Centre. The forum was attended by market associations and transport unions.

    Dabiri urged all to cooperate with the government as any violator would be dealt with in accordance with the state traffic and environmental laws.

    “All enforcement officers from all MDAs must improve on their performances through effective harmonisation in a way that traders, shoppers as well as other stakeholders, will have cause to appreciate fully, efforts of the state government for a working Lagos CBD,” he said.

  • Lagos taskforce arrests 11 suspects in abandoned building

    Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences has paraded 11 suspects arrested from an abandoned building at Ikoyi axis of the state.
    Taskforce chairman Mr Yinka Egbeyemi, who paraded the suspect made up of eight women and three men, said they were arrested at an abandoned building owned by a deceased retired military officer.
    He said the operation was in line with the ongoing exercise the Special Committee on clean up Ikoyi and Victoria island to dislodge miscreants and squatters from abandoned buildings in the area.
    Egbeyemi said residents in the area have raised series of complaints on the onto ward activities going on in the building especially at dusk.
    He added that when interrogated, all the suspects could not offer explanations on their means of livelihood.
    He added that all the suspects would be charged to court soon based on circumstantial evidence, just as he warned that the committee is resolute about its determination to rid ikoyi and VI of abandoned buildings and miscreants.
    He emphasised that the next stop of the Clean Up committee is Lekki where all such infractions have been identified and would be cleared to restore the original master plan of the areas.
    The chairman also informed that before this latest operation, the Task Force had earlier gone to the same abandoned building which has become a convergence point for all sorts of characters including uniformed men who allegedly purchased alcohol and drugs.
    He warned those involve in this act to relocate so as to avoid the wrath of the law.
     
    He said after the first visit, a surveillance was placed on the building which is close to the Ikoyi Police Station and indicated that different questionable characters were still patronising the place and terrorising the residents, a development which spurred the Clean-up team to act.
    The paraded suspects including Ajoke Precious 22 from Kogi, Akaana Agateh 26 from Benue, Agbo Elizabeth 18 also from Benue State, Augustin Mary, Benue, Ajanjo Blessing 24, Mary Douglas from Bayelsa  22 and Mati Dodi, 28.
    The suspect while speaking with journalists claimed they all engage in menial jobs and were assisted by one military personnel named Salau to be staying in the building since they had accommodation issues.
    They all denied paying any rent to the said Salau who squats them, adding that they were only allowed to stay on compassionate ground pending when they would be able to arrange themselves.
    22 year old Mary Douglas, said she arrived in Lagos in January to stay with her uncle who has since relocated out of Lagos.
    She added that the necessity to make ends meet forced her to stay back and seek alternative accommodation means while she sells fairly used clothes at Obalende P& T to cater for her needs.