The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce has apprehended 62 individuals during a midnight enforcement operation across strategic locations on Lagos Island, officials confirmed on Friday.
The coordinated crackdown, which commenced at approximately 1:30 am, targeted areas identified as emerging crime hotspots, including Victoria Island, Falomo, the Eko Hotel axis, Osborne, and adjoining streets. These zones have reportedly experienced an increase in illegal occupation and criminal activities in recent months.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the operation through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, describing it as part of an intensified campaign to sanitize the metropolis and address security concerns.
"In continuation of the agency's clean-up enforcement operation to rid the State of criminal elements, operatives of the Environmental Taskforce team set out at about 0130hrs on Friday, 23rd May 2025 and embarked on its ongoing clean-up enforcement operation on the Island," Wahab stated.
According to official reports, the 62 suspects comprise 59 males and 3 females. The Lagos State Government characterized the operation as part of broader efforts to address security concerns linked to what it termed "undesirable elements" operating in these areas.
"Sanity was restored in all the areas," Wahab noted, adding that all suspects would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
This latest enforcement action comes amid growing concerns about security in various parts of Lagos. Recently, the Lagos Attorney General identified Ikeja, Island, and Lekki as areas topping the crime list in the state, highlighting the government's focus on addressing criminal activities in these locations.
The midnight operation represents one of several recent initiatives by Lagos authorities to combat crime and restore order in Nigeria's commercial capital. The taskforce has conducted similar operations in recent weeks, including an earlier arrest of 41 individuals on Lagos Island.
