By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Taskforce conducted a surprise raid on Sunday, July 14, targeting street traders and homeless people on Akin Adesola Street and the area opposite Eko Hotel.
The operation, which began late at night, saw the task force arrive with a heavy truck and over eight enforcement vehicles to clear the area of obstructions.
According to CSP Adetayo Akerele, chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, the raid was necessary due to the traders and street sleepers ignoring numerous warnings and prior notifications.
“Despite our efforts to educate them, they continued their activities unchecked, prompting us to take action,” he said.
During the operation, the task force impounded several motorcycles (Okada) and confiscated a significant amount of goods. Many individuals were also arrested as part of the enforcement action.
Many individuals were also arrested as part of the enforcement action.
Speaking on the operation, the chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, emphasised the necessity of the raid.
He said, “The operation is all about enforcement as part of my responsibility to arrest and prosecute street traders and those who have converted public roads for commercial purposes. It is my responsibility to arrest and prosecute them.”
He noted that the task force had issued several warnings and conducted previous arrests, yet the illegal activities persisted.
“We have warned them and also arrested them before now and we are still going to arrest them if they still occupy this place,” he added.
CSP Akerele urged the public, particularly street traders, to find legitimate business premises.
He added, “My message to the public is that they should go and get a shop. If you must sell in Lagos, go and get a shop for yourself. The road is meant for the public to use, the walkway is not meant for people who are selling to come and convert it for commercial purposes. They should go and get a shop for themselves.”
He assured that the raids would be ongoing until compliance is achieved.
“These raids are ongoing and will be a continuous process until they stop using the public road for commercial purposes,” Akerele concluded.
The director of press & public affairs for the Lagos State taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, stated that the operation is part of the efforts by the Lagos state government to ensure public safety and orderliness, restoring the intended use of roads and walkways in the city.