The Lagos State Taskforce has launched a sweeping clampdown on street urchins known as “Omotaku,” arresting suspects in Lekki as part of a broader zero-tolerance drive against criminality.
The operation, carried out at Marwa Bus Stop, followed reports of persistent harassment, theft, and extortion targeting motorists and residents along the Lekki corridor.
According to the agency, the suspects were apprehended while attempting to extort a truck driver whose vehicle had broken down at the location.
“At the point of arrest, the suspects confronted a truck driver and threatened to remove parts of his vehicle, including the battery and side mirrors, while demanding money and his mobile phone,” Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, stated.
He explained that operatives of the Taskforce, who were on routine patrol and acting on credible intelligence, swiftly intervened and apprehended the suspects before the situation escalated.
“Our officers responded promptly based on intelligence and routine monitoring patrol, leading to the arrest of all individuals involved in the attempted extortion,” he added.
The agency noted that the Marwa axis had been under surveillance following repeated complaints from members of the public over the activities of street urchins popularly referred to as “Omotaku.”
“This corridor had been flagged by concerned residents and motorists due to recurring incidents of harassment and criminal activities. The Agency, therefore, took decisive action to restore order,” Abdulraheem said.
He further disclosed that the enforcement forms part of the second phase of a sustained operation aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements.
“The ongoing exercise is in line with our zero-tolerance policy for criminality and is being coordinated to ensure that all identified black spots are cleared of such elements,” he noted.
The Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who is leading the operation, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to maintaining law and order across Lagos, particularly in areas prone to criminal activities.
Following the raid, normalcy has reportedly returned to the affected area, with increased monitoring to prevent a resurgence of such activities.
“Sanity has been restored in the area, and we will continue to sustain enforcement operations to ensure that residents and road users can go about their activities without fear or intimidation,” Abdulraheem stated.
He added that all suspects arrested during the operation would be prosecuted in accordance with the Lagos State Special Offences Law.
“All those apprehended will be charged to court as part of efforts to serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar acts,” he said.
The Lagos State Taskforce reaffirmed its resolve to sustain the crackdown across identified flashpoints, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide useful information to security agencies.
