•Akerele addressing operatives of the unit
The Lagos State Taskforce has launched a dedicated anti-crime patrol unit to tackle criminal activities and environmental violations across the state.
The chairman of the agency, Adetayo Akerele, unveiled the unit on Tuesday at the agency’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, reports The PUNCH.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at flushing out criminal elements posing security threats to residents and visitors.
Akerele said, “The unit will operate as a rapid response team with the mandate to arrest and prosecute offenders involved in drug peddling, street urchinism, activities of ‘area boys,’ also known as ‘Omotaku,’ raids on criminal hideouts, environmental offences such as indiscriminate waste disposal, attacks on government officials on duty, quackery, and ‘one-chance’ robbery.”
He added that the agency would intensify surveillance, patrols, and enforcement operations across identified flashpoints in the state.
“We will be all out to stamp out criminal activities in the state this year. No stone will be left unturned to compel criminals to desist from their acts or relocate from Lagos State,” Akerele said.
The chairman reiterated the task force’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
He noted that the round-the-clock patrol unit is designed to proactively detect, deter, and neutralise criminal activities before they escalate into threats to public safety.
