LAGOS POLICE COMMAND WITHDRAWS TASK FORCE FROM TRAFFIC DUTIES AMID MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS

The Lagos State Police Command has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the task force, from all traffic control and enforcement duties across the state. The directive was issued by Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani and announced on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi.

The police explained that the decision aims to improve the management of traffic operations in Lagos and ensure that officers perform their duties professionally and remain accountable. The withdrawal applies exclusively to traffic-related functions, and the task force will continue to carry out other responsibilities assigned to it. Authorities also clarified that the task force is not the only enforcement unit operating within the state.

Residents and motorists were urged to verify the identities of officials before lodging complaints, particularly concerning traffic enforcement. The police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring the public that all operations will remain lawful and encouraging citizens to cooperate with recognized security agencies.

This development follows mounting public complaints about alleged misconduct by some task force members. The issue gained attention after a viral video emerged showing a confrontation between a driver and task force officials. In the footage, the officials were accused of wrongfully detaining the driver and demanding money. It was alleged that one officer moved the man’s vehicle to a one-way street to fabricate a traffic violation, which the driver denied committing. Another individual in the video claimed the driver was eventually detained and sent to prison despite attempts to involve the task force chairman, who had reportedly promised to intervene.

The command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, stated, “The decision aims to improve the management of traffic operations in Lagos and ensure that officers perform their duties professionally and remain accountable.” Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani, who issued the directive, also emphasized that the task force will continue to carry out other responsibilities assigned to it, noting that the unit is not the only enforcement body operating within the state. The police further urged residents and motorists to verify the identities of officials before lodging complaints, reaffirming their commitment to protecting lives and property while encouraging citizens to cooperate with recognized security agencies.