The Lagos State environmental enforcement unit, Taskforce, conducted a successful enforcement operation in Obalende, Marina, and other parts of Lagos Island on October 1, 2026. Led by Chairman Adetayo Akerele, the exercise aimed to ensure compliance with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law of 2017. The operation targeted identified blackspots with a history of environmental and criminal violations, resulting in the arrest of over 30 suspected miscreants, drug peddlers, and street urchins.
During the operation, Taskforce operatives seized several narcotics, including India hemp, Marijuana, Codeine, and Colorado. The suspects, who were arrested for disturbing public peace and attempting to perpetrate criminal activities, will be charged to court accordingly. Some of the suspects were also implicated in acts posing threats to public infrastructure, including billboards and road signage. The Chairman commended the natives and residents of Obalende for their surveillance and participation in driving away men of the underworld from the areas.
Chairman Adetayo Akerele emphasized that active citizen participation, alongside consistent enforcement operations, remains critical to achieving lasting environmental sanity across the State. He 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 determining the security architecture of their areas and to desist from engaging in street violence or harbouring disgruntled elements.
The enforcement exercise, which commenced in the early hours of the day, was a collaborative effort between Taskforce operatives and other relevant agencies. The operation was aimed at ensuring that the state's environmental and public safety laws are enforced, and that residents are protected from the activities of suspected criminals. The Chairman expressed his appreciation for the support of residents and stakeholders in the fight against environmental and criminal offenders.
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Law of 2017 provides a framework for the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development in the state. The law prohibits activities that pose a threat to public health, safety, and the environment, including environmental pollution, noise pollution, and other forms of environmental degradation. The Taskforce's enforcement operation is a demonstration of the state's commitment to enforcing its environmental laws and protecting its residents.
The arrest of over 30 suspected miscreants and the seizure of narcotics are a significant achievement for the Taskforce and a demonstration of its commitment to enforcing the state's environmental and public safety laws. The Chairman's call for active citizen participation in determining the security architecture of their areas is a reminder that residents have a critical role to play in promoting environmental sanity and public safety.
The Taskforce's enforcement operation in Obalende and other parts of Lagos Island is a continuation of its efforts to promote environmental sanity and public safety in the state. The agency's commitment to prosecuting environmental and criminal offenders is a demonstration of its resolve to ensure that the state's laws are enforced and that residents are protected from the activities of suspected criminals.
Key points
- The Lagos State Taskforce arrested over 30 suspected miscreants and seized narcotics during an enforcement operation in Obalende and other parts of Lagos Island.
- The operation was aimed at ensuring compliance with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law of 2017 and promoting environmental sanity across the state.
- Chairman Adetayo Akerele emphasized the importance of active citizen participation in determining the security architecture of their areas and promoting environmental sanity.
