The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) has arrested over 14,000 suspected criminals, demolished 1,786 shanties, and impounded 16,625 motorcycles within the past year.
Chairman of the Task Force, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this during a media parley held to mark his first anniversary in office. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to integrity, operational excellence, and public safety. Akerele described the occasion as a time of reflection, appreciation, and renewed commitment to better serve Lagos residents.
Since assuming office in June 2024, Akerele has led the Task Force with an open-door policy and inclusive leadership style, engaging the media, stakeholders, and the public in driving reforms and implementing intelligence-led enforcement operations.
“In just one year, we have redefined proactive enforcement and public engagement,” he stated. “From traffic and environmental control to collaboration with sister agencies, we have worked strategically to make Lagos cleaner, safer, and more orderly.”
According to the Task Force’s scorecard, 14,087 suspects were arrested from crime-prone areas, including Oshodi, Mushin, Iju Ishaga Railway, Lagos Island, and Obalende. Of that number, 1,287 were released after screening, while 12,999 were charged to court, contributing to a significant reduction in criminal activity.
In the same period, 1,019 vehicles were impounded from major traffic corridors, including Victoria Island, Apapa, and Ikeja. The Task Force also arrested 418 street traders and hawkers during operations in areas such as Obalende, Ikoyi, the Eko Hotel axis, and Ipaja, aimed at enhancing public order and safety.
Illegal structures were also targeted, with 1,786 shanties demolished in communities like Ogombo, Mile 2, Fagba, Epe, and White Sand. These efforts, according to the agency, contributed to a cleaner urban environment and lowered health and security risks.
A record 16,625 motorcycles were seized in the period under review, more than double the figure recorded the previous year. To bolster its enforcement activities, the Task Force launched the Clean Up Enforcement Operation in April 2025.
The bi-weekly early morning sweep targets miscreants, drug addicts, street traders, and other criminal elements across the state. The initiative resulted in 2,276 arrests, with 222 individuals being screened out and 2,054 charged in court.
According to the chairman, the exercise has helped restore sanity in affected areas and reinforced the state government’s commitment to law and order.
“These collective achievements are not mine alone,” Akerele said. “They were made possible through the dedication of the Task Force, the support of the media, and our collaboration with key stakeholders and enforcement agencies.”
As the Task Force continues its operations in line with the THEMES Plus agenda of the Lagos State government, Akerele pledged to sustain the momentum and deepen reforms across the board.
“It is a moment for all of us to reflect, reset, and renew our joint commitment to a safer, cleaner Lagos,” he concluded.
