Lagos Taskforce arrests 46 suspected offenders in Island, Lekki raids

Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit has arrested 46 suspected offenders during a coordinated enforcement operation aimed at tackling criminal activities across parts of the state.

The exercise, which commenced at about 9 a.m. on Friday, covered strategic locations on Lagos Island, Victoria Island and the Lekki corridor.

The agency’s spokesperson, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday.

According to him, the operation extended to Muri-Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction, Maroko, Sandfill near Mobil Bus Stop and Marwa Bus Stop, where the suspects were apprehended.

Gbadeyan said the raid formed part of the agency’s sustained campaign to rid the state of street urchins, miscreants, drug addicts and other individuals suspected of engaging in criminal activities.

He added that enforcement officers also targeted suspected drug peddlers, illegal commercial motorcyclists, street traders and ticket touts operating unlawfully.

The spokesperson disclosed that 46 suspects were arrested during the exercise, while exhibits recovered included substances suspected to be Indian hemp, Colorado and cannabis.

He further revealed that officers recovered a cutlass and a locally made Dane gun from the suspects.

According to Gbadeyan, calm was restored in all the locations visited by the enforcement team following the operation.

He said the Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reiterated the agency’s determination to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven anywhere in Lagos State.

Akerele, according to the statement, assured residents that similar enforcement operations would continue across the state to enhance public safety and maintain law and order.

The spokesperson added that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, as well as the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.