The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 281 street urchins, popularly known as ‘Omotaku’, in a renewed clean-up enforcement operation aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements who harass and extort motorists across major roads and highways.
The arrests were made during a week-long operation carried out from Thursday through the weekend up to Wednesday, January 14, 2026, as part of the agency’s sustained efforts to restore order and ensure public safety across the Lagos metropolis.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, said the operation was targeted at suppressing the activities of Omotaku, who often terrorise motorists, particularly when vehicles develop mechanical faults on the road, forcing them to part with their hard-earned money.
According to him, the Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, noted that the agency had “taken the bull by the horns” by proactively confronting the menace of street urchins to create a safe, serene and secure Lagos.
“Within the last one week, from Thursday through the weekend up to press time today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Taskforce effected the arrest of several Omotaku during its sustained enforcement onslaught against street urchins who had constituted a nuisance on major roads and highways across the state,” Abdulraheem said.
He listed areas covered during the operation to include Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Lagos Island, Yaba Phase 1, Jibowu, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Animashaun Bus Stop, and other adjoining routes on both the Island and Mainland.
Abdulraheem disclosed that all 281 suspects arrested during the exercise have since been arraigned in court, stressing that the Taskforce remains resolute in its mission to flush out undesirable elements from public spaces.
He quoted Akerele as assuring Lagosians that the menace of Omotaku would “soon become a thing of the past” as enforcement efforts continue across the state.
The Taskforce chairman also urged residents, particularly motorists, to promptly report the presence or activities of street urchins within their vicinity by calling 09137555111 or 09138555111 for swift intervention.
He further warned individuals involved in criminal activities to desist, emphasizing that “crime is not a career.”
