Police withdraw Lagos taskforce from traffic duties
The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday announced the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, from traffic control and
- By Ntakobong Otongaran
The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday announced the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, from traffic control and enforcement duties across the state.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, as part of a broader effort to streamline traffic management operations and reinforce professionalism, accountability, and clarity in the discharge of responsibilities among security and enforcement agencies.
In a statement released in Ikeja, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said the decision takes immediate effect and applies to all traffic-related engagements previously handled by the unit.
The Taskforce, over the years, has played a visible role in enforcing traffic laws and addressing environmental and special offences, often operating at major intersections and congestion-prone corridors within Lagos. However, its activities have also drawn scrutiny, with concerns raised in some quarters over operational overlaps and enforcement methods.
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Adebisi clarified that the withdrawal is limited strictly to traffic control and contravention enforcement, noting that the unit will continue to carry out its other statutory duties without disruption.
She added that the move forms part of ongoing institutional adjustments aimed at ensuring that traffic management in the state is handled by designated authorities, while reducing friction and improving coordination among agencies.
The Command also cautioned residents against generalising all enforcement bodies as “Taskforce,” stressing that multiple agencies operate within Lagos under different mandates.
It urged motorists and members of the public to verify the identity of officials before making complaints or allegations, particularly in matters relating to traffic enforcement.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, adding that all operations within the state would continue to align with established laws and best practices.
