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The Lagos State Task Force has unveiled a new anti-crime patrol unit aimed at tackling criminal activities and environmental violations across the state, marking a strategic shift in its operations following recent directives restricting its role in traffic enforcement.
The initiative comes shortly after the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, announced a ban on the agency’s involvement in enforcing traffic-related offences. The directive effectively redefined the scope of the task force’s duties, prompting the agency to refocus its efforts on broader security and environmental concerns.
Speaking during the launch, Chairman of the task force, Adetayo Akerele, said the creation of the anti-crime patrol unit represents a proactive and decisive response to evolving security challenges within Lagos.
According to Akerele, the newly established unit will operate round the clock, serving as a rapid-response force dedicated to detecting, deterring, and neutralising criminal activities before they escalate into major threats to public safety.
“The anti-crime patrol unit is a strategic initiative designed to proactively detect, deter and neutralise criminal intent before it becomes a threat to public safety,” he said.
He stressed that the move was necessary to rid the state of criminal elements that continue to pose risks to residents and visitors. Lagos, being Nigeria’s commercial hub, has long grappled with issues of urban crime, making the establishment of a specialized patrol unit a critical step in strengthening internal security.
Akerele explained that the unit would function as a standby enforcement team with a clear mandate to apprehend and facilitate the prosecution of individuals involved in a wide range of offences. These include drug peddling, street violence, and the activities of notorious groups commonly referred to as “area boys” or “Omotaku.”
He added that the unit would also conduct raids on identified criminal hideouts and black spots across the state, targeting areas known for harboring illegal activities. In addition to crime-fighting, the patrol team will address environmental violations such as indiscriminate waste disposal and littering, which authorities say contribute to broader urban challenges.
Other offences listed under the unit’s jurisdiction include attacks on government officials carrying out lawful duties, fraudulent practices often described as quackery, and the operations of “one-chance” robbery syndicates—criminal groups that disguise themselves as commercial transport operators to rob unsuspecting passengers.
Akerele reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to restoring order and safety across Lagos, warning that individuals engaged in criminal activities would face strict consequences.
“We will spare no effort to eliminate criminal activities in the state this year. We will compel criminals to desist from their acts or relocate from Lagos,” he stated.
The chairman further noted that the task force would intensify surveillance operations, increase patrol presence, and deploy intelligence-driven strategies to monitor and secure identified flashpoints across the state. He emphasized that the success of the initiative would depend not only on enforcement efforts but also on collaboration with the public.
Residents were urged to support the agency by providing timely and credible information that could assist in identifying and apprehending offenders. Authorities believe that community cooperation will play a vital role in enhancing the effectiveness of the new patrol unit.
The development signals a renewed focus by the Lagos State Task Force on its core mandate of maintaining law and order, particularly in light of the recent policy changes affecting its operations. By shifting attention away from traffic enforcement and toward crime prevention and environmental management, the agency aims to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the state.
Security analysts have noted that such proactive measures could help reduce crime rates if properly implemented and sustained. However, they also stress the importance of accountability and adherence to legal standards in enforcement operations to ensure public trust.
As Lagos continues to grow rapidly, the demand for effective security measures remains high. The launch of the anti-crime patrol unit is expected to bolster efforts to safeguard lives and property while promoting a cleaner and more orderly environment.
With the new unit now operational, authorities say they are determined to make Lagos safer for all, reinforcing the state’s position as a major economic and social hub in Nigeria.
