Lagos task force arrests 54 in crackdown on illegal ticketing, extortion

The Lagos State Task Force on Environment and Miscellaneous Offences arrested 54 people yesterday for illegal ticketing and extortion in the metropolis. The Guardian learnt that the arrests were in line with the agency’s mandate to engender law and order in the state and enhance the free flow of traffic.

Task force spokesperson Abdulraheem Gbadeyan said the suspects would be charged immediately to deter others. He said: “The Lagos State Taskforce has apprehended 54 individuals involved in illegal ticketing and extortion activities targeting trucks and commercial vehicles entering the state.

“The arrests were made in key areas, including Isolo, Mushin, Apapa, Mile 2, and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

“The suspects, who specialise in waylaying trucks loaded with goods and imposing unlawful fines on them, have plagued truck operators for some time and contributed negatively to delays and disruptions in the smooth flow of goods and services in and out of the state.”

Task force Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele emphasised that the enforcement exercises are part of the agency’s mandate to end such unlawful practices.

“This illegal ticketing system has been operating for far too long.

We are committed to arresting and prosecuting anyone who imposes unjustified fines on trucks and commercial vehicles. These practices are not only illegal but also detrimental to the state’s economy.”

The ongoing operation is part of a broader effort by the Task Force to restore law and order across Lagos, ensuring that businesses can operate without the threat of extortion by touts and other illegal actors.

“It is part of our statutory responsibilities to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the illegal issuance of fines/tickets within the metropolis; therefore, we will ensure that anyone involved in this illicit practice is brought to book. The 54 suspects will be in court charged immediately,” he said.

Akerele urged residents and business owners to report any suspicious activities to the agency, assuring the public that further arrests will be made to curb the menace.