Lagos Taskforce Arrests 32 Suspected Street Urchins In Highway Clean-Up Operation

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos

The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 32 suspected street urchins, popularly known as “Omotaku,” during a coordinated enforcement operation carried out across major roads on the Island and Mainland areas of the state.

The operation, conducted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, was part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to rid Lagos of criminal elements and curb activities considered a nuisance and threat to public safety on highways.

According to the Taskforce, the exercise followed repeated complaints from residents through social media platforms and radio stations over the increasing presence of street urchins who allegedly obstruct traffic and harass motorists on major roads.

Areas covered during the raid included Apongbon, Fadeyi, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba, Surulere, and other adjoining corridors.
Officials said the suspects were observed unlawfully stopping articulated vehicles such as petroleum tankers, trailers, lorries, trucks, as well as private cars.

The Taskforce stated that the suspects were arrested for public nuisance, illegal road obstruction, and violations of the Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 and the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017. Some of those apprehended were also found with substances suspected to be hard drugs, including Indian hemp.

Speaking after the operation, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining order on Lagos roads.

He said the Taskforce would continue to comb all parts of the state to apprehend individuals engaged in activities that endanger lives and disrupt traffic flow, adding that the operation restored sanity to the affected areas.

All the suspects have been charged to court for prosecution, the Taskforce confirmed.