Barely 24 hours after the Lagos State Commissioner of Police ordered the withdrawal of Task Force operatives from traffic enforcement, the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation and Other Related Offences has launched a new anti-crime patrol unit to strengthen security operations across the state.
The initiative was unveiled at the agency’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, by its Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, and announced in a statement by the Task Force spokesperson, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan.
Gbadeyan said, “The Lagos State Taskforce has formally launched a dedicated anti-crime patrol unit as part of renewed efforts to combat criminal activities and environmental violators across the state.”
He further explained that the decision to establish the unit was driven by the need to tackle rising criminal threats and enforce environmental laws more effectively.
“Speaking today at the Headquarters of the Agency in Bolade, Oshodi, the proactive Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, stated that the establishment of the unit became imperative to flush out criminal elements who pose serious security threats to residents and visitors within the state.
According to the Chairman, the newly launched unit will function as a standby and sharp response team, mandated to arrest and ensure the prosecution of offenders involved in activities such as drug peddling, street urchinism, activities of area boys popularly known as ‘Omotaku’, raids on criminal black spots, littering of the environment, attacks on government officials on lawful duty, quackery, ‘one-chance’ robbery syndicates, and other special offences.”
Akerele stressed that the agency would intensify its operations to rid the state of criminal elements.
“CSP Akerele emphasised that the Taskforce remains resolute in its commitment to rid Lagos State of criminality, stressing that the agency will intensify surveillance, patrols, and enforcement operations across all identified flashpoints.
“We will be all out to stamp out criminal activities in the State this year. No stone will be left unturned to compel criminals to desist from their acts or relocate from Lagos State,” the Chairman declared.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information.
The round-the-clock anti-crime patrol unit is expected to serve as a proactive mechanism to detect, deter and neutralise criminal activities before they escalate into threats to public safety.