In furtherance of its statutory mandate and in alignment with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the Lagos State Government, particularly its zero-tolerance stance against environmental degradation, drug abuse, and criminality, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) has intensified its routine enforcement operations across the metropolis.
The early morning operation, conducted on Monday, July 27, 2026, targeted street urchins, miscreants, suspected drug addicts and peddlers, illegal commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders), street traders, illegal ticket touts, and other criminal elements whose activities pose threats to public safety and environmental order.
Areas covered during the exercise included Ikate Bus Stop, Marwa Bus Stop, Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction, and other adjoining locations along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, where the presence of suspected criminal elements had become noticeable.
At the end of the operation, a total of 33 suspects were arrested, while several exhibits were recovered. Items seized include substances suspected to be Tramadol, Indian hemp, Colorado, marijuana, cannabis, as well as dangerous weapons and objects such as scissors and cutlasses.
The enforcement exercise successfully restored normalcy to all affected areas.
The Agency disclosed that all arrested suspects have been charged before the appropriate court in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017 and the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, where applicable.
Speaking during a debriefing with officers at the Agency’s Headquarters, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reiterated the Agency’s unwavering resolve to make Lagos uninhabitable for criminal elements.
“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 stated.
CSP Akerele further charged officers to sustain the momentum of ongoing enforcement operations, urging them to intensify efforts in tackling criminality across the State, just as the Agency successfully curtailed the menace of illegal Omotaku operations on Lagos roads.
The Lagos State Taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven enforcement operations across the State to rid the metropolis of criminal elements and maintain law and order.
Gbadeyan Abdulraheem
Director, Public Affairs
Lagos State Taskforce