- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Police Command has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) from traffic enforcement duties.
This is coming under the heels of public outcry and calls by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) call for the withdrawal of the personnel off the road.
As contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has finally given the directive for the withdrawal of the taskforce.
Fatai ordered the withdrawal in a bid to streamline traffic management and enhance professionalism, accountability and operational clarity.
“The withdrawal applies strictly to traffic-related functions. The taskforce will continue to carry out its other statutory duties and operational mandates,” Adebisi said.
The police spokesperson however urged residents to note that the unit is not the only taskforce operating within the state.
She advised motorists and the public to verify the identity of personnel and agencies before making allegations, particularly on traffic enforcement matters.
The spokesperson assured residents that all operations would continue in line with the law and global best practices.
She called on the public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with all legitimate security agencies.