Lagos: IG Bans Akerele Taskforce from Traffic Enforcement

The Lagos State Police Command has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) from traffic control and enforcement duties across the state.
The directive, issued by the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, follows mounting complaints from residents over alleged extortion, harassment, and human rights violations by operatives of the Taskforce led by CSP Akerele.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, the Command said the move is part of ongoing efforts to ensure professionalism, accountability, and improved traffic management operations in the state.
The decision, according to sources, was influenced by multiple petitions submitted by motorists and concerned citizens to the state government and the Inspector-General of Police.
It was further gathered that the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Akerele, was recently invited to Abuja for questioning by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, over the allegations against him and his team.
A source familiar with the development said the allegations were considered too serious to ignore, prompting the intervention of the police high command.
“CSP Akerele was summoned to the Force Headquarters to meet the IGP. The allegations against him are too weighty for the police authorities to overlook. Following his interrogation by a panel, a decision was taken to remove his men from traffic enforcement duties,” the source disclosed.
Following the development, the IGP directed the Commissioner of Police to immediately relieve the Taskforce of all traffic-related responsibilities pending the outcome of further investigations.
One of the petitions believed to have triggered the action was reportedly submitted by a media platform, ObjectvMedia, which accused Taskforce operatives of widespread extortion and abuse of motorists.
Adebisi clarified that the withdrawal applies strictly to traffic enforcement, noting that the Taskforce will continue to carry out its other statutory responsibilities.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate and complete withdrawal of the Taskforce from traffic control and traffic contravention enforcement across the state,” the statement read.
“This directive is part of ongoing efforts to streamline traffic management operations and ensure professionalism, accountability, and clarity in the discharge of duties. While the unit has been withdrawn from traffic-related responsibilities, all other operational mandates remain in force.”
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