By Olasunkanmi Akoni
The Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences has launched a renewed enforcement operation aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements and street urchins popularly known as “Omotaku,” arresting no fewer than 281 suspects within one week.
The “Omotaku” are known for harassing and attacking motorists, especially when vehicles develop mechanical faults on the road, often forcing victims to part with their money.
The Chairman of the agency, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this on Wednesday, reiterating the Taskforce’s resolve to proactively tackle the activities of the group across the metropolis in order to ensure a safe, serene and secure Lagos.
Akerele said that from Thursday through the weekend to Wednesday, operatives of the Taskforce carried out sustained enforcement operations across major roads and highways where the activities of the suspected miscreants had become a nuisance.
According to him, areas covered during the week-long operations included Bourdillon, Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Animashahun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Costain and Funsho Williams Avenue.
Other locations were Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere and other adjoining roads on both the Island and Mainland where the presence of “Omotaku” and other street urchins was observed.
“During the week-long raid exercise, a total of 281 suspects were arrested, and all have since been arraigned in court,” Akerele said.
He assured residents that the menace of “Omotaku” would soon be eliminated from Lagos, noting that the Taskforce would sustain the enforcement drive until the desired results are achieved.
The Taskforce chairman urged residents, particularly motorists, to promptly alert the agency whenever they encounter “Omotaku” or other street urchins causing disturbances in their areas. He provided the agency’s hotlines as 09137555111 and 09138555111 for swift response.
Akerele also warned those involved in criminal activities to desist, stressing that crime is not a viable career and that the law would continue to take its course against offenders.
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