The Lagos State Taskforce has stepped up enforcement operations aimed at removing criminal elements and street urchins, locally known as Omotaku, who have been targeting motorists across the city.
Speaking to the press, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the Taskforce has “taken the bull by the horns” in tackling the menace, which often involves extorting motorists whose vehicles develop mechanical faults on the road.
According to Akerele, last week’s operations, which ran from Thursday through the weekend to today, Wednesday 14 January, led to the arrest of multiple suspects across the Lagos metropolis.
The enforcement covered key areas including Bourdillon, Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Animashahun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, and other adjoining roads.
In total, 281 suspects were arrested and have since been arraigned in court. The Taskforce chairman asserted that Omotaku would soon be eradicated from the state.
Akerele urged Lagos residents, particularly motorists, to report any nuisance caused by Omotaku or other street urchins to the Taskforce through the emergency lines 09137555111 or 09138555111 for immediate intervention.
He also issued a stern warning to those involved in criminal activities, reminding them that “crime is not a career.”
Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Taskforce, confirmed the figures and praised the ongoing cooperation of the public in reporting criminal activities.
