Taskforce arrests 54 suspects over illegal truck ticketing, extortion

Lagos State Taskforce has apprehended 54 individuals involved in illegal ticketing and extortion activities targeting trucks and commercial vehicles entering the state.

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

The Director, Press & Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, in a statement, said the suspects who specialised in waylaying trucks loaded with goods and imposing unlawful fines on them, have, through their activities, 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.

Speaking on the arrests, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, emphasised that these enforcement exercises are part of the agency’s mandate to put an end to 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,” he said.

“The ongoing operation is part of a wider effort by the taskforce 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 Lagos State Taskforce urged residents and business owners to report any suspicious activities to the Agency and assured the public that further arrests would be made to curb this widespread menace.

He added that the 54 arrested suspects will be charged to court immediately.