Lagos is stepping up its fight against street nuisances in a big way.
The Lagos State Taskforce arrested no fewer than 281 suspected street urchins, popularly called Omotaku, during a week-long clean-up operation.
The raids ran from Thursday last week through Wednesday January 14 2026. Operatives hit multiple hotspots across the state in coordinated efforts to clear major roads and highways.
Key areas targeted included Bourdillon, Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Animashahun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos Island, and other adjoining roads on both the Island and Mainland.
These individuals were accused of loitering around traffic points to harass motorists and extort money, especially when vehicles break down. Many lived under bridges like the Costain Bridge.
Chairman of the Taskforce Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele described the operation as a direct move to flush out criminal elements and restore order. He stressed the agency's determination to confront the menace head-on for a safer and more orderly Lagos.
All 281 suspects have been charged to court. Akerele expressed confidence that sustained enforcement will soon end the activities of Omotaku across the state.
One arrested suspect named Hassan spoke in Yoruba. He said he had lived under the Costain Bridge for three years after moving to Lagos. He claimed he only approached a driver for money to help find a mechanic when officers arrived.
Akerele urged residents and motorists to report any suspicious activities quickly. The Taskforce provided emergency lines: 09137555111 and 09138555111.
He warned that crime is not a legitimate way to earn a living and reaffirmed the commitment to keep going until Lagos roads are free of hoodlums and other undesirable elements.
This bold operation sends a strong message: Lagos authorities are serious about protecting public safety and keeping the streets clear. The crackdown continues as part of broader efforts to make the state more secure for everyone.
The Lagos State Taskforce arrested no fewer than 281 suspected street urchins, popularly called Omotaku, during a week-long clean-up operation.
The raids ran from Thursday last week through Wednesday January 14 2026. Operatives hit multiple hotspots across the state in coordinated efforts to clear major roads and highways.
Key areas targeted included Bourdillon, Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Animashahun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos Island, and other adjoining roads on both the Island and Mainland.
These individuals were accused of loitering around traffic points to harass motorists and extort money, especially when vehicles break down. Many lived under bridges like the Costain Bridge.
Chairman of the Taskforce Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele described the operation as a direct move to flush out criminal elements and restore order. He stressed the agency's determination to confront the menace head-on for a safer and more orderly Lagos.
All 281 suspects have been charged to court. Akerele expressed confidence that sustained enforcement will soon end the activities of Omotaku across the state.
One arrested suspect named Hassan spoke in Yoruba. He said he had lived under the Costain Bridge for three years after moving to Lagos. He claimed he only approached a driver for money to help find a mechanic when officers arrived.
Akerele urged residents and motorists to report any suspicious activities quickly. The Taskforce provided emergency lines: 09137555111 and 09138555111.
He warned that crime is not a legitimate way to earn a living and reaffirmed the commitment to keep going until Lagos roads are free of hoodlums and other undesirable elements.
This bold operation sends a strong message: Lagos authorities are serious about protecting public safety and keeping the streets clear. The crackdown continues as part of broader efforts to make the state more secure for everyone.
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