Lagos Taskforce rejects Objectv extortion video, laments targeted attack without proof

Ebun Emmanuel – May 21, 2026

The Lagos State Taskforce has refuted allegations in a viral Facebook video by a platform, Objectv, accusing operatives of the agency of secretly returning to the roads to impound vehicles and extort motorists.

The enforcement agency described the claims as false, unsubstantiated and misleading.

The Taskforce said the allegations lacked facts and failed basic journalistic standards of verification.

It wondered why its men would deploy operatives to roadside traffic enforcement when the agency is already heavily engaged in combating environmental offences, criminal activities and other special operations across the state.

The Taskforce said the policemen in the unity were not involved in roadside traffic enforcement operations as alleged in the video, insisting that saying those in the video were operative of the agency was another attempt by the online platform to malign the image of the agency and its leadership without credible evidence.

A statement by the agency added, “The publication failed to provide critical details necessary to establish the authenticity of the allegations, including the number plates of the allegedly impounded vehicles, the exact location where the arrest was made, where the vehicles were taken to, and whether any prosecution was initiated against the owners.

“The claim that the vehicle was processed through a Mobile Court in Alausa, should be supported with evidence like relevant court documents.

“Which Mobile Court in Alausa handled the matter? Where are the court papers? These are basic questions any responsible journalist should answer before going public with such serious allegations”.

The agency also challenged the publisher to link investigators with the owner of the affected vehicle for independent verification of the claims, stressing that the Taskforce remains interested in unravelling the identity of whoever carried out the alleged operation.

The agency noted that there are different enforcement groups that have continued to operate in parts of Lagos, often disguising themselves as government operatives to harass unsuspecting residents and motorists.

It added that it is therefore irresponsible for any media platform to hastily attribute the actions of unidentified operatives to the Lagos State Taskforce without proper investigation.

“The operational reforms introduced under the leadership of CSP Adetayo Akerele have significantly changed the mode of operation of the agency, particularly following government directives restricting activities to BRT corridors and other major traffic routes.

“Our personnel are now largely focused on tackling environmental infractions, criminal hideouts, illegal trading activities, and special law enforcement operations aimed at maintaining public order and security across the state.

“The modern operational measures, including the use of branded reflective jackets, official identification tags and other distinctive markers, were introduced specifically to distinguish genuine Taskforce operatives from other law enforcement personnel and formations.

“The individuals seen in the video referenced by Objectv lacked the approved operational identifiers associated with the Lagos State Taskforce, raising further doubts about the credibility of the claims,” the statement added.

The agency expressed concern over a growing pattern of selective attacks and repeated attempts by some online publishers targeted at the Taskforce without any concrete proof.

It noted that such reports, when published without adequate verification, not only damage institutional reputation but also mislead the public and erode trust in legitimate security operations.

“Journalism carries ethical responsibilities, especially when reporting on sensitive security and public safety matters; allegations against public institutions should always be balanced, evidence-based and professionally verified before publication.

“Was the matter properly investigated before publication? Was the agency contacted for clarification? Were efforts made to confirm the identity of the officers involved? These are fundamental ethical obligations in journalism,” the statement added.

The agency reiterated that it has no involvement whatsoever in the alleged extortion incident and urged members of the public to disregard such publication not backed by verifiable evidence.

The Lagos State Taskforce hinted that it may henceforth explore legal options against individuals or platforms found to be deliberately spreading false or malicious publications capable of damaging the integrity of the agency and undermining public confidence in its operations.

It reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, lawful enforcement and public safety.