Lagos Taskforce Arrests 32 For Obstructing Traffic, Causing Public Nuisance
The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 32 street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, for allegedly causing public nuisance and obstructing traffic on major highways across Lagos State.
The suspects were apprehended during a coordinated enforcement operation carried out across the Island and Mainland following complaints by residents.
The operation was confirmed in a statement signed on Monday by Raheem Gbadeyan, the Taskforce spokesperson.
Gbadeyan said the exercise was part of the agency’s ongoing clean-up operation aimed at restoring order on Lagos roads.
He explained that areas covered during the operation included Apongbon, Fadeyi, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba and Surulere, among other adjoining roads.
According to the statement, Taskforce operatives observed the suspects unlawfully stopping articulated vehicles including petroleum tankers, lorries, trucks, trailers and private cars in the affected locations.
“During the raid, a total of 32 suspects were apprehended for constituting public nuisance, illegal road obstruction and violating the Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, as well as the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017,” the statement said.
It added that some of the suspects were also found smoking substances suspected to be hard drugs and Indian hemp.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the agency remained committed to ensuring public safety across the state.
“We will not relent in our efforts to comb all nooks and crannies of Lagos to rid the state of criminal elements and other undesirable activities on our roads,” Akerele said.
He added that the operation restored sanity to the affected areas and that the suspects had been charged to court.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
