An anti-crime patrol unit has been launched by the Lagos State Task Force to combat criminal activities and environmental violation across the state.

The launch followed the ban by the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, on the agency’s enforcement of traffic violations in the state.

The agency stated that the round-the-clock anti-crime patrol unit represented a strategic initiative designed to proactively detect, deter and neutralise criminal intent before it becomes a threat to public safety.

Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, emphasised that the establishment of the unit was necessary to eliminate criminal elements posing serious security threats to residents and visitors within the state.

According to him, the new unit will function as a standby and sharp response team mandated to arrest and ensure the prosecution of offenders involved in activities such as drug peddling, street urchinism, activities of area boys commonly known as Omotaku, raids on criminal black spots, littering of the environment, attacks on government officials on lawful duty, quackery, one-chance robbery syndicates and other special offences.

Akerele reiterated the task force’s commitment to eradicating criminality in Lagos, promising to intensify surveillance, patrols and enforcement operations across all identified flashpoints.

He stated: “We will spare no effort to eliminate criminal activities in the state this year. We will compel criminals to desist from their acts or relocate from Lagos.”

The agency affirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security and environmental operations. (The Guardian)