OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman, Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce Unit, Taskforce, has said in the last one year, a total number of 14,087 suspects were arrested across black spots in the State out of those arrested, 1,287 were released after thorough screening and a total of 12,999 were arraigned.
He made the disclosure on Tuesday during a Media parley held in his office as part of activities marking his first year as the Chairman of the Lagos Taskforce, revealing that most of the suspects were arrested at Oshodi, Mushin, Iju Ishaga Railway, Lagos Island, Mainland, Ikoyi, Obalende, Marina and other places across the State during raids by Officers and Men of the Taskforce often led by CSP Akerele himself.
Akerele said the Media briefing is in line with an ongoing public engagement and enlightenment programme by the Agency which coincides with his first anniversary in office as Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce), aimed to shore up awareness and reduce the level of environmental offences in the State.
Akerele harped on the need for adequate reportorial coverage of the activities of the agency as it can no longer afford to keep 'dancing in the dark', stressing that the parley presents a moment for reflection and appreciation to newsmen, while seeking for continued balanced and constructive coverage of their work.
According to him; "In just one year, we have redefined proactive enforcement and public engagement. Our tenure has seen significant improvements in traffic and environmental enforcement, the removal of illegal structures, shanties and street trading, increased synergy with sister agencies and drastic reduction in motorcycle-related offenses, especially on restricted highways.
"We now have more intelligence-led and humane operations
This progress would not have been possible without the tenacity, consistency, and support of you, the media professionals and our dedicated officers and staff." He added.
Akerele shared that in the last one year, his Agency Criminal apprehended 14,087 suspects in various black spots across the State, 1,287 out of these suspects were however released and a total of 12,999 were arraigned resulting in a marked reduction in criminal activities in these areas, he said.
On vehicle enforcement, Akerele said a total of 1,019 vehicles were impounded from Victoria Island, Apapa, Ikeja, Agege Motor Road, and other key areas, two of the vehicles were forfeited to the state through court orders.
He said, "A total of 418 hawkers and traders were arrested in areas like Ikeja, Obalende, Ikoyi, Eko Hotel Axis, and Ipaja with their goods confiscated, leading to improved public safety and urban order. On environment and sanitation; 1,786 shanties were demolished in areas including Ogombo, White Sand, Mile 2, Fagba, Epe, Oworonshoki, Agege and others, restoring order, mitigating health and security risks in those communities."
"A total 16,625 motorcycles were impounded during the period under review, which is a significant increase from the 6,915 impounded in 2023 and early 2024."
Stressing that the enforcement exercise aligns with the state’s ongoing ban on commercial motorcycles on major highways and other restricted routes, with special operations undertaken to arrest of miscreants, street urchins, hooligans, street traders, drug addicts and other suspected criminal elements in nooks and crannies of the State, leading to the arrests of 2,276 from which 222 were screened out and 2,154 were charged to court.
CSP Akerele also shared on the improvements he brought into the work area, to enhance greater motivation and relaxation necessary due to the rigorous nature of their work, leading him to building the Arena Relaxation Centre, which he said is the first of its kind in any enforcement base in Nigeria, saying it will greatly enhance staff welfare, morale, and for better preparation assignment.
No comments:
Post a Comment