The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 88 suspected miscreants and criminals in two separate operations around Oshodi, Bolade and its environs.
The arrest, the agency said, was “in a continued effort to rid the State of the menace of miscreants, touts and street urchins.”
A statement by the Director, Press & Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem on Tuesday said, “The operation, which was carried out around 3 am and 4 pm respectively today took place at Oshodi, Bolade and its environs was executed following series of complaints lodged by concerned motorists, residents and passersby through the Agency’s feedback channels.”
All the suspected miscreants will be prosecuted accordingly, the agency said.
It said complainants reported an alarming rise in criminal activities, particularly during rush hour, “where hoodlums would lie in wait around the area to harass unsuspecting passersby and motorists.”
Speaking on the operation, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele emphasised the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Lagos.
“We cannot allow these criminal elements to hold our people hostage in their own communities. The State Government remains steadfast in its resolve to protect lives and property.
“This operation is a testament to our unwavering dedication to put an end to this ugly trend,” the Chairman stated.
The efforts, the Taskforce, said were met with “widespread jubilation” by concerned citizens and other passersby at Oshodi Oke bridge who witnessed the operation, assuring residents and passersby “that this exercise will be sustained in line with the Agency’s mandate as enshrined in the THEMES PLUS Agenda of the State to restore law and order across Lagos Metropolis.”
Akerele further disclosed that the agency had carried out initial surveillance in the area where it was discovered that the miscreants made use of the pedestrian Bridges at Oshodi Bus Stop to spot their victims and wailed them.
He assured that all the menace will soon become a thing of the past as the activities “will be completely grounded soonest.”
“Motorists and residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the Agency or the nearest police station.
“We remain on high alert and will continue to carry out surveillance and sting operations aimed at safeguarding the lives and property of motorists and residents along this axis and beyond,” Akerele said.
