Taskforce apprehends 52 suspects in overnight operation to combat crime

Abdullateef Fowewe

In a renewed initiative to improve safety in the city and address criminal behaviour, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit arrested 52 individuals during a regular enforcement operation conducted on Saturday.

The operation, which began at approximately 12:35 a.m., was spearheaded by the Agency’s Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, and targeted various areas known for illegal activities, including Lekki, Ikoyi, Falomo Bridge, Eko Hotel, and Ligali Ayorinde.

As stated in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the raid was initiated in response to numerous complaints and distress calls about the actions of street thugs, hooligans, pickpockets, and other suspected offenders, especially during late-night hours.

The exercise led to the arrest of 51 male suspects and one female suspect, with officials successfully restoring order in the affected areas.

Speaking on the operation, Akerele reaffirmed the Taskforce’s commitment to maintaining environmental sanity and protecting lives and property across Lagos State.

“We will continue to sustain these enforcement exercises until every part of the city is free from criminal activities. Those who choose to engage in acts that threaten the serenity and security of residents should desist immediately or face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Akerele noted that the clean-up forms part of a broader strategy to conduct bi-weekly operations aimed at rooting out criminal elements and protecting law-abiding citizens and businesses.

He added that all suspects apprehended during the exercise would be charged to court.