In continuation of the Lagos State Taskforce clean-up enforcement operations and its commitment to rid the State of criminal elements and street urchins popularly known as Omotaku, who terrorise Lagos motorists and force them to part with their hard-earned money, especially whenever their vehicles develop mechanical faults on the road.

According to Mr Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Taskforce, the Agency’s Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele said the Taskforce has taken bold action to curb Omotaku activities across Lagos, aiming for a safe and secure city.

Speaking further, Akerele stated that within the last one week, from Thursday through the weekend up to press time today, Wednesday, 14th January, 2026, the Agency effected the arrest of several Omotaku during its sustained enforcement onslaught against street urchins who had, before now, constituted a nuisance on major roads and highways across different parts of the Lagos metropolis, before the Agency’s swift intervention.

Lagos State Task Force Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele

The week-long operation covered areas like Bourdillon, Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Animashahun bus stopl, Akowonjo road, Egbeda, Fadeyi bus stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba road, Surulere, and other nearby roads on the Island and Mainland where Omotaku and other street urchins were spotted.

During the week-long raid exercise, a total of 281 suspects were arrested, and all suspects have since been arraigned in court. The Chairman stated that Omotaku would soon become a thing of the past in few days to come.

Akerele admonished Lagosians, particularly motorists, to promptly reach out to the Lagos State Taskforce whenever Omotaku or other street urchins constitute a nuisance within their vicinity, and to call 09137555111 or 09138555111 for swift response.

He warned those involved in crime to stop, saying it’s not a path to success, crime doesn’t pay, basically.