By Our Correspondent
National News – The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, from traffic control and enforcement duties across the state.
The directive, announced on Tuesday, aims to improve professionalism and accountability in traffic management operations.
The development was disclosed by the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, who explained that the decision affects only traffic-related responsibilities handled by the task force.
According to her, the unit will continue to perform its other operational duties across the state despite the change.
Adebisi stated that the directive is part of broader efforts by the police leadership to streamline traffic enforcement and clarify the responsibilities of different security and regulatory agencies operating in Lagos.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the public that the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, 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.
Authorities also clarified that the Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit is not the only task force operating in Lagos, urging residents and motorists to verify the identities of enforcement personnel before making accusations regarding traffic enforcement.
The police further appealed to members of the public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with legitimate security agencies performing their duties within the law.
The decision comes amid growing public backlash over alleged misconduct by some task force operatives.
The controversy intensified after a viral video circulated online, accusing officials of unlawful arrests and extorting motorists.
In the footage, a task force operative was alleged to have taken control of a driver’s vehicle and repositioned it on a one-way street to falsely accuse the driver of committing a traffic offence before demanding payment.
The driver in the video insisted he had not driven against traffic as claimed.
Another voice in the clip alleged that the driver was detained and later sent to prison despite reportedly contacting the task force chairman, Adetayo Akerele, who was said to have promised to intervene.
Police authorities confirmed that an investigation into the incident has begun, reiterating their commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring that law enforcement activities remain lawful and transparent.
