The Lagos State Police Command has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit, also known as the task force, from traffic control and enforcement duties across the state.
Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi disclosed the directive in a statement Tuesday, saying it is part of efforts to streamline traffic management operations and ensure professionalism and accountability.
The order was issued by Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani.
Adebisi said the withdrawal applies only to traffic-related responsibilities, adding that all other duties and operational mandates of the task force remain in effect.
“The directive is part of ongoing efforts to ensure professionalism, accountability and clarity in the discharge of duties,” the statement said.
The police clarified that the unit is not the only task force operating in the state and advised residents and motorists to verify the identity of personnel and agencies before making allegations, particularly on traffic enforcement issues.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that operations are conducted in line with the law. It also urged the public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with legitimate security agencies.
The directive follows recent backlash against task force operatives over allegations of extortion.
The controversy intensified after a viral video posted by ObjectvMedia alleged unlawful arrest and extortion of motorists by officials. In the footage, a task force operative was accused of taking control of a driver’s vehicle, repositioning it on a one-way street to fabricate a traffic offense and demanding payment.
The driver denied the allegation in the video. A voice in the footage also claimed the driver was detained and later sent to prison despite contacting task force chairman Adetayo Akerele, who was said to have promised to intervene.
Police authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident.
