Lagos Taskforce Chief Showcases Reforms, Slams “Misleading” Allegations At Media Briefing
Ayomide Tiwatayo
The Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Taskforce) Unit, CSP Tayo Akerele, has outlined key reforms and operational milestones achieved under his leadership while strongly rebutting allegations circulated by online platform #beobjective, describing them as misleading and driven by vested interests.
Speaking during a media parley in Lagos, Akerele said the engagement formed part of the agency’s quarterly interaction with journalists aimed at strengthening collaboration, improving public communication, and enhancing service delivery across the state.
He noted that since assuming office, one of his early initiatives was the establishment of a Public Feedback Desk at the Taskforce headquarters to provide residents with a direct channel to report infractions and lodge complaints.
According to him, the platform has significantly improved intelligence gathering and rapid response, especially during periods of heightened enforcement such as the crackdown on illegal activities linked to “one-chance” operators.
“In addition to the feedback desk, we created three survey teams that move across different parts of Lagos to monitor environmental and security concerns. They gather data, identify problem areas, and report back for strategic action,” he said.
Akerele explained that the agency’s approach relies heavily on data-driven enforcement and collaboration with residents, stressing that the Taskforce cannot operate effectively without timely and credible information from the public and media.
He also highlighted the introduction of targeted enforcement strategies, including “boundary policing,” which focuses on inter-agency cooperation rather than jurisdictional disputes.
According to him, this has helped address security concerns in contested areas and improved operational efficiency.
On environmental sanitation, the chairman pointed to several clean-up exercises conducted across Lagos, including repeated interventions in areas such as Fagba.
He noted that sustaining sanitation gains remains a major challenge due to recurring illegal activities, including the erection of shanties and unsafe trading along rail tracks.
Akerele recounted a recent operation along the Fagba railway corridor where Taskforce officials faced resistance from miscreants who attacked operatives with stones and attempted to sabotage demolition efforts by setting structures on fire.
“We went there in the early hours to clear illegal structures and ensure safety, but we were met with violence. Despite that, we stood our ground. However, enforcement alone is not enough; communities must take ownership to sustain the progress,” he said.
He emphasized that public safety remains a priority, warning against risky practices such as trading on railway tracks, which endanger lives. He urged residents to prioritize safety over economic convenience and to support government efforts by reporting violations.
Addressing enforcement tactics, Akerele explained that the agency adopts intelligence-led operations rather than random arrests, particularly in dealing with commercial motorcycle operators (Okada riders).
He said Taskforce officials focus on identifying operational hubs and peak activity periods to ensure more effective interventions.
“It is not efficient to chase one or two riders on the road. We target their gathering points based on credible information. That is how we achieve meaningful results,” he added.
The chairman also clarified the role of auxiliary personnel often referred to as “paramilitary,” explaining that they are support staff assigned specific duties such as logistics and loading, and are not substitutes for law enforcement officers. He acknowledged occasional misconduct among personnel but assured that such cases are investigated and addressed promptly.
On allegations published by #beobjectv, Akerele dismissed the reports as baseless, stating that the claims originated from individuals with personal grievances against the agency.
He cited instances where individuals allegedly attempted to influence enforcement actions, including requests for the release of impounded motorcycles, which he said were firmly rejected in line with due process.
Providing evidence of internal investigations, Akerele explained that in one case involving a traffic violation, the agency reviewed video footage and confirmed that the driver in question had contravened traffic rules. He added that the matter was handled transparently and in accordance with the law.
“The narrative being pushed is not factual. We have documented evidence of our actions, and all issues raised have been subjected to proper investigation. We remain accountable to the appropriate authorities,” he said.
He further noted that the Commissioner of Police had previously reviewed related allegations and affirmed the agency’s position, while also encouraging anyone with additional evidence to come forward.
Akerele warned against the growing trend of misinformation on social media, stressing that not all individuals presenting themselves as journalists adhere to professional standards.
“Social media has made it easy for anyone to publish content, but that does not make them journalists. We must distinguish between credible reporting and deliberate misinformation,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Taskforce’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and public engagement, urging residents to make greater use of official communication channels to report incidents.
According to him, the success of the agency’s operations ultimately depends on collective responsibility.
“After enforcement, sustaining order is a shared duty. Residents, community leaders, and law enforcement must work together to ensure lasting impact,” he said.
The media parley ended with a renewed call for stronger collaboration between the Taskforce and the press to promote accurate reporting and support ongoing efforts to maintain environmental sanity and public safety in Lagos.
