Lagos Police Pulls Task Force Off Traffic Duties Amid Extortion Allegations
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Fatai Tijani, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the Task Force, from all traffic control and traffic enforcement operations across the State.
Global Mirror News gathered that the directive was announced on Tuesday March 31, by the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi.
According to Adebisi, the decision is part of the command’s effort to improve professionalism, accountability and order in traffic management across the State.
She explained that the withdrawal only affects the Agency’s traffic-related activities, while its other responsibilities remain unchanged.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate and complete withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit from traffic control and traffic contravention enforcement across the state,” the statement said.
The Police added that the move was necessary to ensure greater clarity in the discharge of duties by Security Agencies operating in Lagos.
The Command also clarified that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit is not the only task force operating in the State.
Residents and motorists were therefore urged to properly identify Security Personnel and Agencies before making complaints or accusations relating to traffic enforcement.
Global Mirror News further gathered that the latest directive follows growing public outrage over allegations of extortion and unlawful arrests involving some task force operatives.
The controversy intensified after a viral video shared by ObjectvMedia accused some officials of harassing and extorting motorists.
In the video, a task force operative was alleged to have taken over a driver’s vehicle and repositioned it on a one-way road in order to create false evidence of a traffic offence before demanding money from the motorist.
The driver reportedly denied driving against traffic, insisting that he was framed.
A voice heard in the footage also alleged that the motorist was later detained and eventually sent to prison despite reaching out to the Chairman of the task force, Adetayo Akerele, who allegedly promised to intervene.
Police authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident, while reiterating their commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that all security operations in Lagos are carried out in accordance with the law.
