The Lagos State Police Command has directed the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit, commonly known as the Taskforce, from all traffic control and traffic enforcement duties across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, gave the directive as part of ongoing efforts to streamline traffic management in Lagos and reduce overlapping responsibilities among enforcement agencies.
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In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said the decision was taken to improve professionalism, accountability, and clarity in traffic operations.
She explained that while the taskforce will no longer be involved in traffic enforcement, it remains fully empowered to carry out its other statutory responsibilities.
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“The Command also wishes to enlighten members of the public that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit is not the only Taskforce operating within Lagos State. Residents and motorists are therefore strongly advised to always verify the identity of personnel and agencies before making allegations or assertions, particularly in matters relating to traffic enforcement.
“The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring that all operations within the State are carried out in accordance with the law and best practices. Members of the public are encouraged to remain law-abiding and cooperate with all legitimate security agencies,” she stated.
Background
Concerns over the operations of the Taskforce have persisted in recent years, with civil society organisations raising questions about its methods and conduct.
The Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwanguma, recently accused the unit of engaging in practices that amount to entrapment and extortion of motorists.
He alleged that some drivers are lured into traffic violations by street touts working in collaboration with enforcement operatives positioned nearby.
According to him, a recurring pattern involves unsuspecting motorists in heavy traffic being persuaded by touts to commit violations such as entering restricted lanes, only to be intercepted shortly after by Taskforce officials.
In several instances, he claimed, vehicles are impounded and taken to designated yards, where owners are required to pay substantial sums in cash to secure their release.
Mr Nwanguma said these encounters have created fear among road users rather than reassurance, adding that the lack of transparent procedures and official payment channels undermines public trust in enforcement operations.
While acknowledging that the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law prescribes penalties for traffic offences, including misuse of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes, he stressed that enforcement must follow due process through verifiable government systems.
He maintained that payments should be made via official channels rather than through informal intermediaries or cash transactions outside recognised structures.
He also raised concerns about the security implications of such practices, warning that vehicles impounded on public roads without clear identification or documentation could be exploited by criminals impersonating enforcement officers.
To address these concerns, he called for reforms including the elimination of cash payments in enforcement processes, the adoption of digital payment systems, clear identification of officers, and the use of body cameras to enhance accountability.
He further urged the government to publish clear guidelines on offences, penalties, and enforcement procedures, and to commission an independent review of the Taskforce’s operations.
Also, the attitudes of the police taskforce had drawn the attention of the Lagos State Police leadership.
The immediate past Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh, warned that the Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit could be disbanded if cases of misconduct and human rights violations persist.
He said the command would not tolerate unprofessional conduct, particularly amid rising complaints of extortion and abuse of power.
