Lagos Taskforce Launches Anti‑Crime Patrol Unit to Curb Rising Criminality

Lagos Taskforce Launches Anti‑Crime Patrol Unit to Curb Rising Criminality

The Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences has officially launched a dedicated anti‑crime patrol unit to tackle escalating criminal activities, environmental offences, and street-level threats across the state. The launch took place on Wednesday at the task force’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, and was led by the agency’s Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele.

The new patrol unit is designed to operate as a rapid-response team, patrolling crime hotspots 24/7 to proactively detect, deter, and neutralise criminal activities before they escalate into serious threats to public safety. According to Akerele, the unit’s mandate covers a wide spectrum of offences, including drug peddling, street urchinism, area boys activities (locally called “Omotaku”), one-chance robbery syndicates, attacks on government officials, quackery, and indiscriminate waste disposal.

“The unit will operate 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 stated. He urged residents to support law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information that could aid operations.

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The initiative also comes after the Lagos State Police Command withdrew the task force from traffic enforcement, allowing it to focus entirely on security operations and law enforcement against criminality. Akerele emphasized that while traffic duties have been reassigned, the task force’s core functions remain intact, and the anti-crime patrol unit will intensify surveillance and intelligence-driven operations in known flashpoints.

Law enforcement observers note that Lagos, being Nigeria’s commercial hub, faces persistent street crime, drug offences, and environmental violations, making the launch of this unit a strategic move to reinforce public safety and protect lives and property. The task force aims to enhance Lagos State’s security architecture by deploying personnel in high-risk areas and responding swiftly to incidents reported by residents.

The state government hopes that this enhanced patrol unit will serve as a deterrent against criminality, ensuring a safer environment for both residents and businesses as the city continues to grow and urbanize.

Lagos Taskforce Launches Anti‑Crime Patrol Unit to Curb Rising Criminality