281 Arrested as Lagos Govt Raids Roads Over Omotaku Activities
The Lagos State Government has arrested no fewer than 281 suspected street urchins and criminal elements, popularly referred to as “Omotaku,” during a coordinated enforcement operation across major roads and hotspots in the state.
The arrests were carried out by the Lagos State Taskforce as part of a week-long raid aimed at curbing the activities of individuals accused of harassing motorists and extorting residents. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The development was disclosed on Friday, January 17, by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
According to Wahab, the operation covered several locations across both the Island and Mainland, where the presence of street urchins and other undesirable elements had been reported.
The affected areas include Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Bourdillon Road, Animashahun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, and other adjoining routes.
He noted that the operation was necessitated by persistent complaints from residents and motorists over intimidation and illegal levies imposed by street gangs.
Wahab confirmed that all 281 suspects have been arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, stressing the government’s zero-tolerance stance on activities that threaten public safety and order.
The commissioner urged Lagos residents, especially motorists, to remain vigilant and cooperate with enforcement agencies by reporting the presence of street urchins in their areas.
“Lagosians, particularly motorists, should promptly reach out to the Lagos State Taskforce whenever Omotaku or other street urchins constitute a nuisance within their vicinity,” Wahab said.
He provided emergency contact numbers for swift response:
09137555111
09138555111
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe, orderly, and conducive environment for residents and visitors, assuring that enforcement operations against criminal elements will continue across the state.