The Lagos State Government has intensified its clampdown on street urchins, with operatives of the state task force arresting three suspected members of a notorious gang known as “Omotaku” for allegedly harassing motorists.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Thursday, noting that the suspects were apprehended during separate operations across the state.
The “Omotaku” group is widely associated with extortion and intimidation of road users, particularly targeting motorists whose vehicles break down on busy highways.
Wahab revealed that one of the incidents occurred at Marwa Bus Stop in the Lekki area, where a truck driver was reportedly accosted and threatened by suspected touts who demanded his phone and money after his vehicle developed a fault.
A similar situation was recorded at Palmgrove along Ikorodu Road, where road users were allegedly harassed before the swift intervention of task force officials.
“In both cases, our operatives moved in promptly and arrested the suspects. They will be prosecuted in line with the law,” the commissioner stated.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding residents and ensuring that highways remain free from harassment and criminal activities, adding that enforcement would be sustained in identified flashpoints.
The latest arrests come amid ongoing efforts to rid Lagos roads of criminal elements. In March, security operatives arrested over 25 suspected members of similar groups in the Lekki axis.
As part of broader measures to tackle the menace, the Lagos State Task Force recently inaugurated a special anti-crime patrol unit to strengthen enforcement and respond swiftly to threats.
The Chairman of the agency, Adetayo Akerele, said the unit would serve as a rapid response team to combat street urchinism, drug-related offences, environmental violations, and other forms of criminality.
He added that the initiative was designed to dismantle networks of miscreants and improve safety for residents and visitors across the state.