Lagos task force arrests 281 ‘Omotaku’ in massive statewide raid

The Lagos State Task Force on the Environment and Other Related Offences has arrested 281 street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, during a massive enforcement operation across major parts of the state.

The arrests followed sustained complaints from residents and motorists over the growing menace of street miscreants who reportedly harass road users and extort money, especially during vehicle breakdowns.

Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the Director of Public Affairs of the Task Force, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the arrests were part of the agency’s ongoing clean-up exercise aimed at ridding Lagos of criminal elements.

According to him, the operation was carried out under the directive of the Chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who vowed to suppress the activities of street urchins and ensure a safe and secure environment across the metropolis.

Abdulraheem disclosed that the arrests were made within one week, from Thursday through the weekend up to Wednesday, January 14, 2026, during sustained raids on major roads and highways.

Areas covered during the operation included Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Victoria Island, Yaba, Jibowu, Surulere, Ojuelegba, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Egbeda, Akowonjo Road, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Apongbon and other adjoining locations on both the Island and Mainland.

The Task Force stated that all 281 suspects arrested during the week-long raid have since been arraigned in court.

Akerele assured residents that the activities of Omotaku would soon become a thing of the past, as enforcement operations would be sustained across the state.

He urged Lagosians, particularly motorists, to promptly report the presence of street urchins or other nuisance elements by contacting the Task Force through its emergency lines on 09137555111 or 09138555111.

The Task Force chairman also warned individuals engaged in criminal activities to desist, stressing that crime is not a viable means of livelihood.