The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 32 street urchins, popularly known as ‘Omotaku’, during a coordinated enforcement operation across major roads on the Island and Mainland.
The suspects were apprehended for causing public nuisance, illegally obstructing traffic, and endangering motorists on key highways, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Taskforce’s Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem.
Abdulraheem said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to restore order and ensure public safety, following repeated complaints from residents about youths harassing drivers and creating safety risks. Areas covered included Apongbon, Fadeyi, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba, Surulere, and adjoining routes.
“The operation was necessitated by growing concerns raised by residents through social media platforms and radio stations about the menace of street urchins causing nuisance and endangering road users,” Abdulraheem said.
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He added that operatives observed the suspects unlawfully stopping articulated vehicles, including petroleum tankers, trucks, trailers, lorries, and private cars, obstructing traffic and creating safety hazards. Some suspects were found smoking substances suspected to be hard drugs and Indian hemp.
The 32 suspects were charged under the Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 and the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reiterated that the agency is committed to rooting out miscreants across the state and bringing offenders to justice. The operation led to the restoration of order in all affected areas.