The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce has apprehended 277 individuals during a week-long crackdown targeting notorious criminal hotspots across the state.
The sweeping enforcement operation, initiated in response to intelligence reports and persistent complaints from residents, was carried out under the leadership of Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele. According to a statement issued on Sunday by the agency’s spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the raids were conducted daily from around 1:30 a.m., focusing on areas known for unlawful activities and unregulated settlements.
Key locations covered during the operation included Victoria Island, Osborne Road, the Chevron axis, several Lekki roundabouts, Obalende, Ikota, Ikoyi, Falomo Bridge, the Nigerian Law School area, Eko Hotel, Oniru Beach, railway tracks in Agege, Isale Oja in Ketu, and the AP Roundabout.
Akerele described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to reclaim public areas from street criminals, pickpockets, and others posing a threat to public safety. He emphasized that the mission was not only to restore law and order but also to make it clear that criminality would not be tolerated in Lagos.
“These individuals were responsible for disturbing the peace and threatening the security of law-abiding residents,” Akerele stated. “This exercise has reinforced our message — Lagos is no place for disorder.”
All 277 arrested suspects, he confirmed, have already been prosecuted in accordance with state laws.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Akerele declared that the Taskforce would continue its mission to protect lives, safeguard public spaces, and promote a secure environment for all Lagosians.
“Those who aim to disrupt the peace in our communities should reconsider or be prepared to face strict legal consequences,” he warned.
