Not less than 53 suspected drug peddlers, addicts, miscreants, street urchins, illegal street traders and people of shady business dealings have been arrested by the Lagos State task force.
The exercise was part of an operation targeted at enhancing safety, security of lives, properties and environmental decorum.
The arrest was confirmed by the task force spokesman, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem.
Recovered from the suspects were different illicit drugs and narcotics suspected to be cannabis and codeine syrup, oclorado, among others
The Chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said that the operation marked a critical step toward securing relief for residents around Gowon Estate, ipaja, Egbeda, Idimu and its environs who had been affected by the activities of the suspects.
Akerele said residents of the areas had endured trauma and safety risks due to the presence of unauthorised squattters who were also wayward.
“The Lagos State Taskforce remains fully committed to safeguarding all residents, and we will continue our efforts to rid the metropolis of individuals who prey on law-abiding citizens,” stated CSP Akerele.
The Chairman also reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to monitoring other criminal hideouts and blackspots and abandoned buildings and property that are not in active use.
This vigilance is intended to warn people with sinister motives to desist from their criminal acts or relocate out of the state.
“These arrests underscore our determination to maintain a safe, serene and conducive environment for all,” the Chairman added, stressing: “We will not rest until every individual involved in these illegal practices is held accountable.”
He said that the 53 suspects would be charged to court.
A resident in the area, Alhaji Muraina Ajao, popularly known as Famous, commended the efforts of the Taskforce in ridding the area of those he described as illegal and unwanted guests.
He expressed joy that passing through Gowon Estate has become safe for residents which had not been so in the past seven years.
