The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the Task Force, has launched a new anti-crime patrol unit aimed at strengthening security operations and curbing criminal activities across the state.
The Chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, announced the initiative at the Task Force headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, describing it as a “standby and sharp response team” designed to act swiftly against criminal threats.
According to Akerele, the unit has been mandated to arrest and ensure the prosecution of offenders involved in crimes such as drug peddling, street urchinism, activities of “area boys,” and operations of “one-chance” robbery syndicates.
He added that the patrol team will also target environmental and social offences, including littering, attacks on government officials, and illegal practices, while conducting raids on known criminal black spots across Lagos.
“The unit will function as a rapid response team to flush out criminal elements and restore order in identified flashpoints,” Akerele said, stressing the agency’s renewed resolve to tackle insecurity.
The development comes shortly after the Lagos State Police Command withdrew the Task Force from traffic enforcement duties, a move aimed at improving professionalism and clarifying operational roles.
Akerele assured residents that the agency would intensify surveillance and patrols across the state.
“We will spare no effort to eliminate criminal activities… and compel criminals to desist or relocate from Lagos,” he said.
Authorities say the new unit will operate round-the-clock, responding to distress calls and intelligence reports to prevent crimes before they escalate.
The Task Force also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.
The initiative is part of broader efforts by the Lagos State Police Command to strengthen internal security in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
