Lagos Taskforce Raids Ikoyi Blackspots, Arrests 114 Suspects (Photos)

Led by its chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele, the Lagos State Taskforce, on Wednesday, July 24, conducted a late-night raid on several notorious blackspots.

The operation led to the seizure of over 2,000 litres of bunkered diesel and the apprehension of 114 suspects.

According to him, the task force targeted trouble areas on Mosley Street, Glover Road, and Lateef Jakande Avenue by acting on information from the public and following orders from Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade.

Residents had expressed concerns about the growing presence of unidentified individuals and the transformation of these residential areas into centres for criminal activities.

Akerele clarified that a thorough investigation verified the residents’ reports, leading to the decisive raid.

“We are addressing environmental and safety concerns in Ikoyi, where miscreants have turned inner streets into restaurants, drinking spots, gambling dens, and boutiques. What we found during our investigation was alarming, and we are committed to restoring order immediately,” he said.

The taskforce uncovered an illegal petroleum storage facility during the operation, where over 2,000 litres of diesel were stored unsafely in an abandoned building.

Akerele warned of the severe fire risk posed by such hazardous storage conditions, emphasizing the potential danger to both the building’s occupants and nearby residents.

“We found over 2,000 litres of diesel hidden in an unsafe manner, which could lead to a catastrophic fire. Diesel is highly flammable and combustible, and the negligent storage practices here endanger many lives,” Akerele stated.

In addition to the arrests and diesel seizure, Akerele issued a stern warning to street traders defacing the environment and disposing of waste improperly.

He urged them to relocate to approved markets or face arrest. He also cautioned those using streets as makeshift religious grounds, social event centers, and sports venues to cease these activities or face prosecution, stressing the state government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order.

“I encourage all Lagosians to report any environmental infractions to us. It is our duty to address these issues promptly to ensure the city remains habitable and orderly,” Akerele added.

Out of the 114 suspects apprehended, five were released unconditionally after proper identification and explanation of their activities. The remaining individuals will face charges, and all confiscated items will be forfeited to the state government through the court.

The Director of Press & Public Affairs for the Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed the details of the raid and reiterated the agency’s commitment to upholding the safety and environmental standards of Lagos.