Task Force Nabs 33 During Victoria Island, Lekki Enforcement Operation

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) has arrested 33 suspected criminals and recovered banned drugs and dangerous weapons during a major enforcement operation across parts of Lagos.

The raid, carried out on Monday, covered Ikate Bus Stop, Marwa Bus Stop, Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction and other adjoining areas along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

According to the agency, the operation targeted street urchins, suspected drug addicts and peddlers, illegal commercial motorcyclists, street traders, ticket touts and other individuals whose activities were considered a threat to public safety and environmental order.

Items recovered during the exercise included Tramadol, Colorado, Cannabis sativa, as well as dangerous weapons such as scissors and cutlasses.

The Task Force said all the suspects have been charged before the appropriate courts in line with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, where applicable.

Speaking after the operation, Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the agency would continue its crackdown on criminal activities across the state.

“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 said.

Akerele also urged officers to sustain ongoing enforcement operations and intensify efforts to combat crime, noting that the agency had continued to clamp down on illegal commercial motorcycle operations across Lagos.

The Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven enforcement operations aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements and maintaining law and order.