Lagos Taskforce Denies Demanding ‘TRD’ Permit From Truck Driver
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Lagos State Taskforce, has denied demanding a permit from a truck driver for the inscription of “TRD” on his vehicle.
The agency described the claim circulating on social media as false and misleading, stressing that requesting or enforcing permits for inscriptions on vehicles does not form part of its statutory or operational responsibilities.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Taskforce said it had no basis to stop or accost any driver for the purpose of demanding such a permit.
The agency also clarified that its personnel are no longer involved in traffic-related enforcement following a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, discontinuing such activities.
According to the Taskforce, its operatives have consequently ceased the arrest and enforcement of traffic offences and are not authorised to stop vehicles for traffic violations or conduct traffic enforcement operations.
The agency urged members of the public to exercise caution when attributing the actions of uniformed personnel to the Lagos State Taskforce, noting that the presence of camouflage or a similar uniform does not necessarily mean that the individual is a Taskforce operative.
It explained that several security and law enforcement agencies operate within Lagos State, each with distinct mandates and uniforms.
The Taskforce, under the leadership of its Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said it remained committed to disciplined, lawful and professional enforcement of its statutory responsibilities.
It added that its personnel had been repeatedly directed to operate strictly within the limits of their mandate and respect the rights of members of the public while carrying out their duties.
The agency further urged social media users to verify information and properly identify the agency or personnel involved before publishing allegations that could mislead the public or damage the reputation of government institutions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Lagos State Taskforce did not demand any permit from the said driver for the inscription of ‘TRD’ on his truck and has no operational mandate to do so,” the statement said.
The agency encouraged members of the public with genuine complaints involving suspected Taskforce personnel to report such incidents through the appropriate channels for investigation, rather than relying on unverified claims circulated on social media.
