By Editor
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, has directed the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit, also known as the Task Force, from all traffic control and enforcement duties across the state.
The directive was announced on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, who said the move is aimed at improving professionalism, accountability and proper coordination in traffic management.
According to the police, the withdrawal applies strictly to traffic-related activities, noting that the task force will continue to carry out its other assigned responsibilities.
Adebisi explained that the decision forms part of broader efforts to streamline operations and ensure clarity in the duties of agencies involved in managing traffic within Lagos State.
She 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 advised to always verify the identity of officials and agencies before making complaints, especially on issues relating to traffic enforcement.
The police command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring all operations are conducted in line with the law.
The directive follows recent public backlash against task force operatives over allegations of extortion and misconduct.
The controversy gained attention after a viral video by ObjectvMedia accused some officials of unlawful arrest and extorting money from motorists.
In the video, a task force operative was alleged to have seized a driver’s vehicle and positioned it on a one-way road to create false evidence of a traffic offence.
The driver reportedly denied committing the offence, insisting he was wrongly accused.
A voice in the footage also claimed the driver was detained and later imprisoned despite attempts to seek intervention from the task force chairman, Adetayo Akerele.
The development has further raised concerns among residents, with calls for stricter monitoring of enforcement agencies in the state.