The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested no fewer than 281 suspected street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, during a week-long enforcement operation aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements and ensuring the safety of motorists.
Chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the operation was part of the Task Force’s commitment to rid Lagos of miscreants who harass road users and extort money from motorists, particularly when vehicles develop mechanical faults on highways.
Akerele explained that the Taskforce had taken proactive steps to suppress the activities of Omotaku across the metropolis to ensure a safe, serene, and secure environment for residents.
He disclosed that within the last one week — from Thursday through the weekend up to Wednesday, January 14, 2026 — operatives of the Taskforce arrested several suspects during sustained enforcement raids carried out on major roads and highways across the state.
Lagos taskforce raids black spots in Gowon estate, arrests 19 suspects for drug offences
Areas covered during the week-long operation included Bourdillon, Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Animashaun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, and other adjoining areas on both the Island and Mainland.
According to Akerele, all the 281 suspects arrested during the exercise have been arraigned in court. He assured residents that the menace of Omotaku would soon be eliminated in Lagos.
The Taskforce chairman urged Lagosians, especially motorists, to promptly report cases of harassment or nuisance by street urchins to the agency for swift intervention.
Akerele also warned individuals engaged in criminal activities to desist, stressing that crime is not a career.
