Lagos taskfore raids Ikoyi area, arrests 109 suspects, seizes 2,000 diesel litres

The Lagos State Taskforce, led by the Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, has raided major blackspots on Mosley Street, Glover Road and Lateef Jakande Avenue in Ikoyi.

A statement said the move became imperative after concerned residents blew the whistle on the clustering numbers of unidentifiable individuals, who allegedly converted the areas to safe havens for suspected criminals and miscreants.

Akerele said a discreet investigation was carried out after the complaints which confirmed the intel to be credible, leading to the late night raid.

The Chairman further disclosed that an illegal petroleum storage facility was discovered during the operation where over 2,000 litres of diesel was discovered in an unsafe location, posing a risk to both occupants of the uncompleted building and neighbours on the same street.

He stated that the occupants of the building had complete disregard for safety concerns regarding storage of petroleum products which if not properly managed could result in a fire disaster.

“We discovered over 2,000 liters of diesel hidden in an abandoned building in an unsafe manner which could lead to a fire disaster. Diesel is highly flammable and also combustible if not properly stored, therefore this miscreants are not just risking their lives through their ignorant actions but also the lives of their neighbours and passers-by in the event of an explosion.”

Akerele warned street traders who are still in the practice defacing the environment and disposing their waste into the gutters and drainage channels to move their trade to approved markets or risk being arrested.

He also sounded a note of warning to miscreants who lay about and convert streets to religious grounds, social event centers and sports ground to desist forthwith or be prosecuted.

“I urge every well-meaning Lagosian to notify us of any environmental infraction by any individual or groups of individuals in any part of the Metropolis to prevent an environmental mishap. It’s our duty and responsibility to ensure that such infractions are nipped in the bud to maintain sanity and habitability across board,” Akerele added.

A total of 114 suspects were arrested and five were released unconditionally after properly identifying themselves and stating their business.

The statement said the remaining suspects would be charged to court and all items confiscated will be forfeited to the State Government through the court.