The Lagos State environmental enforcement unit, Taskforce yesterday busted hideout im Obalende, Marina and other parts of Lagos Island and arrested suspected criminals.

The agency said it undertook the enforcement operation to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law of 2017.

The exercise, which commenced in the early hours of the day, was led by the Chairman of the agency, Adetayo Akerele, who supervised operations across identified blackspots with a history of environmental and criminal violations.
At Obalende, the Chairman commended the natives and the residents for their surveillance and taking responsibility in encouraging sustained participation to drive away men of the underworld from the areas.

During the enforcement exercise,Taskforce operatives arrested over 30 suspected miscreants, drug peddlers, Omotaku and other street urchins around Marina and Obalende for disturbing public peace and attempting to perpetrate criminal activities. Some of the suspects were also implicated in acts posing threats to public infrastructure, including billboards and road signage. Several narcotics like India hemp, Marijuana , Codeine, Colorado, Shase etc were found on them. All the suspects will be charged to court accordingly.

Akerele emphasized that active citizen participation, alongside consistent enforcement operations by Taskforce operatives and other relevant agencies, remains critical to achieving lasting environmental sanity across the State.

The Chairman reiterated that Criminals and environmental laws violators will be prosecuted in accordance with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law of 2017.

The Chairman urged everyone to actively participate in determine the security architecture of their areas and desist from engaging in street violence,harbouring or keeping some disgruntled elements as friends who have nothing positive to offer or contribute to the development of their areas.