Lagos TaskForce Marks One Year with Major Strides: 418 Hawkers Arrested, Over 16,000 Motorcycles Impounded
Lagos, Nigeria – July 2, 2025
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, popularly known as the Lagos State TaskForce, has recorded significant achievements in its first year under the leadership of CSP Adetayo Akerele, with thousands of arrests, vehicle impoundment, and demolitions across the state as part of its drive to restore law and order.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the agency’s headquarters on Tuesday, CSP Akerele detailed the agency’s accomplishments in combating street trading, environmental violations, and traffic infractions between July 2024 and June 2025.
According to him, the TaskForce arrested 418 hawkers and street traders during targeted enforcement operations in areas including Ikeja, Obalende, Eko Hotels axis, Oshodi, Ikotun, Dopemu, and Iyana Ipaja. Goods were confiscated to deter further infractions and ensure safer streets.
In the area of traffic enforcement, 1,019 vehicles were impounded from strategic locations such as Victoria Island, Apapa, Ikeja, Agege, and Motor Road, with 612 of them fined and later released.
On environmental sanitation, Akerele said 1,786 illegal shanties were demolished across various parts of Lagos, including Ogombo, White Sand, Mile 2, Fagba, Epe, Oworonshoki, and Agege. These demolitions, he said, were critical in curbing health hazards and improving community safety.
A major highlight of the briefing was the agency’s efforts in enforcing the state's ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as "okada." He announced that 16,625 motorcycles were impounded within the review period—a significant jump from the 6,915 seized in 2023 and early 2024. The enforcement covered key flashpoints such as 2nd Rainbow, Festac, Badagry Expressway, Lagos Island, Ikeja, Agege, Iyana Iba, Apapa, and Ipaja.
In a bid to rid Lagos of criminal elements, the TaskForce also carried out city-wide raids. "Between April and June 2025, we embarked on twice-weekly clean-up exercises, arresting 2,276 miscreants, including street traders, drug addicts, and suspected criminals. After screening, 2,154 were charged to court, while 222 were released," Akerele revealed.
He also highlighted internal developments aimed at boosting staff morale and operational efficiency. These include:
- The establishment of the Safety Arena Renal Station, the first of its kind in any enforcement agency in the state.
- An upgraded health centre to better serve officers and nearby residents.
- A renovated reception area to improve public perception and engagement.
- The launch of the inaugural TaskForce Table Tennis Cup to promote camaraderie and wellness among officers.
CSP Akerele attributed the agency’s success to the commitment and resilience of his officers, support from the media, and crucial backing from the Lagos State Government.
“Security enforcement is never an easy task,” he said. “This past year has been about co-enforcement, community engagement, and digital innovations that speak for themselves. We are deeply committed to a cleaner, safer, and more secure Lagos.”
He urged Lagosians to continue supporting government efforts, obey state laws, and report suspicious activities. “We are not wicked as people assume. We just want the law to be obeyed,” he added.
The TaskForce boss also expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support and called on communities to partner with the agency to maintain peace and order in the state.
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