Lagos task force arrests 114 in Ikoyi black spots

The Lagos State Task Force has arrested 114 suspects and seized 2,000 litres of diesel in a raid conducted on Ikoyi black spots.

The spokesperson for the agency, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, noted in a statement on Wednesday that the operation led by the Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, was conducted on Monday night, targeting multiple black spots in Ikoyi.

“The raid resulted in the confiscation of over 2,000 litres of illegally stored diesel and the arrest of 114 suspects.

“The operation, which was supported by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, was prompted by numerous complaints from residents. They reported suspicious activities and the presence of unidentifiable individuals converting residential areas into hubs for illicit activities. Key areas targeted included Mosley Street, Glover Road, and Lateef Jakande Avenue,” the statement disclovered.

He noted that Akerele explained that a thorough investigation confirmed the residents’ complaints.

“We have come out here to address issues of environmental and safety concerns in Ikoyi where residents had complained about the increasing numbers of miscreants who have converted these inner streets to restaurants, drinking spots, gambling spots, and boutiques to mention but a few. It is an eyesore what we encountered here during our investigations and we will ensure that we restore sanity to these streets immediately,” Akerele said.

“We have discovered over 2,000 litres of diesel stylishly hidden in this abandoned building in an unsafe manner which could lead to a fire disaster,” Akerele stated.

He emphasised the potential dangers of improperly stored diesel, including the risk of explosions and fire disasters.

Out of the 114 suspects arrested, five were released after properly identifying themselves and their business activities. The remaining suspects will face charges in court, and all confiscated items will be forfeited to the state government, the statement added.

On Tuesday, the task force also confirmed the arrest of 40 illegal traders in the Ikeja area during a night raid.

Abdulraheem who disclosed this noted that some of the dislodged traders engaged in illegal activities including selling of drugs.