The Lagos State Taskforce conducted a coordinated enforcement operation on October 2, 2026, targeting criminal hideouts and environmental violations in Obalende, Marina, and other parts of Lagos Island. The operation, led by Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele, aimed to enforce the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law of 2017 and tackle environmental nuisances, criminal activities, and public disorder. The exercise focused on identified blackspots with a history of criminal activities and environmental infractions.
The operation covered areas including Obalende, Marina, and surrounding communities on Lagos Island. During the raid, operatives apprehended over 30 suspected miscreants, alleged drug dealers, “Omotaku” street urchins, and other individuals accused of disturbing public peace and attempting to engage in criminal activities. The suspects were also alleged to have vandalised or posed threats to public infrastructure, including billboards and road signs.
The agency recovered various suspected narcotic substances, including cannabis, marijuana, codeine, Colorado, and other illicit drugs, from the suspects. All those arrested would be charged in court in accordance with the law. Akerele commended residents and community leaders in Obalende for their vigilance and cooperation with security agencies, describing community participation as essential to preventing criminals from operating within neighbourhoods.
Akerele stressed that sustained enforcement operations by the Lagos State Taskforce, in collaboration with other security and government agencies, remain vital to maintaining environmental sanitation and improving public safety across the state. The Taskforce chairman reaffirmed that individuals found violating environmental regulations or engaging in criminal activities would be prosecuted under the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law of 2017.
Speaking at the agency’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, Akerele urged residents to take an active role in safeguarding their communities by supporting security efforts, rejecting street violence, and avoiding associations with individuals involved in criminal activities. He reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against environmental nuisances, criminal elements, and street urchins.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure Lagos remains a cleaner, safer, and more liveable city for residents and visitors. The Lagos State Taskforce operation is a continuation of the government's efforts to tackle environmental and security challenges in the state. Residents have been urged to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The Lagos State Government has assured residents of its commitment to maintaining a safe and clean environment. The government has urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report any environmental or security concerns. The Taskforce will continue to work with other security agencies to ensure public safety and environmental sanitation in Lagos State.
Key points
- The Lagos State Taskforce arrested over 30 suspected criminals and recovered illicit drugs during the operation.
- The operation aimed to enforce the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law of 2017 and tackle environmental nuisances, criminal activities, and public disorder.
- The government has urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report any environmental or security concerns.
