The Lagos State Environmental and Special Forces, popularly known as Taskforce has arrested a total of 33 suspected criminal elements, alongside illegal substances, dangerous weapons and drugs following an early morning operation on Monday, 27th July.
The suspects were arrested from different areas including Ikate Bus Stop, Marwa Bus Stop, Muri Okunola Park in VI, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction, and other adjoining locations along Lekki-Epe Expressway.
The operation was in line with the statutory mandate of the Force and THEMES Plus Agenda, especially the zero tolerance stance against environmental degradation, drug abuse and criminality.
The operation was targeted against street urchins, miscreants, drug addicts, peddlers, illegal motorcyslists, street traders and illegal ticketers and other criminal elements.
The arrest of the 33 suspects was followed with the recovery of exhibits which include Tramadol, Indian Hemp, Colorado, marijuana, Cannabis, objects such as scissors and cutlasses.
Accordingly, the suspects have been charged to the appropriate courts in line with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 and the Lagos State Transport Reform Law, 2018 where applicable.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele reiterated the the Force’s commitment to making Lagos unsuitable for criminality.
“There is no room for criminality in Lagos State. Those engaged in criminal activities either desist or relocate. We remain committed to enforcing the laws of the State and ensure that residents continue to enjoy a safe, secure and orderly environment.” He said.
He went further to charge officers to maintain the momentum and to intensify efforts to tackle criminality in the state, referencing the successfully curtailed nuisance of the illegal Omotaku operations on the roads.
The Force then reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence driven enforcement operations across the state to rid the state of criminality and strengthen law and order.