Police in Lagos withdrew the task force from traffic duties amid a push for reforms

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offenses Unit (Task Force) from all traffic control and enforcement operations across the state.

The development was announced on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, who said the move was aimed at improving coordination and professionalism in traffic management.

According to the statement, the directive only applies to traffic-related functions, with the task force retaining other operational responsibilities.

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, has directed the immediate and complete withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offenses Unit (Task Force) from traffic control and enforcement of traffic offenses across the state.

“This directive is part of ongoing efforts to simplify traffic management operations and ensure professionalism, accountability and clarity in the performance of duties. It is important to note that although this unit has been withdrawn from traffic-related responsibilities, all tasks and operational mandates assigned to the unit remain in full force.”

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Police further clarified that the affected unit is not the only task force operating in the state, and urged citizens and motorists to confirm the identity of law enforcement officers before filing complaints, especially regarding traffic issues.

Reaffirming its mandate, the command stressed its commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring all operations comply with the law. He also appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with the competent authorities.

The decision follows recent public outcry over alleged misconduct by some members of the task force. The controversy was sparked by a viral video circulated by ObjectvMedia accusing officers of unlawful arrest and extortion.

In the recording, a task force officer is alleged to have taken control of the driver’s vehicle, turned it into a one-way street to commit a traffic violation, and demanded payment. The driver denied committing the offence, while a voice in the video claimed that the man was detained and later jailed despite contacting the head of the task force, Adetayo Akerele, who reportedly promised intervention.

The police have launched an investigation into the incident.