The Lagos State Government has said it will prosecute 75 suspected miscreants arrested along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road during a clean-up exercise in the area.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday.

According to Wahab, the suspects were arrested on Wednesday during intensified clean-up and enforcement operations along the corridor.

He said the suspects comprised 68 males and seven females, adding that substances suspected to be illicit drugs were recovered during the operation.

“As part of the ongoing clean-up and enforcement drive along the Coastal Road, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Task Force carried out a late-night raid at about 10 pm, targeting identified black spots in the area,” Wahab said.

“During the operation, 75 suspects—68 males and seven females—were arrested, while substances suspected to be illicit drugs were recovered at the scene.”

The commissioner also disclosed that one of the task force officers, Inspector Omosanjo Mohamed, was violently attacked by hoodlums during the raid and sustained a serious head injury.

“He is currently receiving medical treatment. Let me state clearly that attacks on law enforcement officers carrying out lawful duties will not be tolerated,” Wahab said.

He added that all suspects arrested during the operation would face the full weight of the law.

The state government said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations, in line with relevant state laws on environmental offences, public nuisance, drug-related crimes, and assault.

Wahab reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring order along the coastal corridor, noting that the operation was part of broader efforts to rid public spaces of criminal elements.

“We remain resolute in restoring order, protecting public spaces, and ensuring that the Coastal Road and other parts of Lagos are safe and secure for all law-abiding residents,” he added.

The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road corridor, particularly sections currently undergoing construction and expansion, has in recent months attracted complaints from motorists and residents over harassment and insecurity.

Officials said the latest raid aligns with the state’s zero-tolerance stance on street crime and environmental violations, aimed at preserving Lagos as a safe and economically vibrant city. (The PUNCH)