Lagos Task Force Arrests 223 Hoodlums

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines Sunday, August 23rd, 2015

Officials of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) on Sunday, raided some black spots in Oshodi area of Lagos, Nigeria and arrested 223 suspected hoodlums.

The officials also demolished several illegal structures erected by recalcitrant street hawkers and roadside traders around the market.

Chairman, Taskforce, Olubukola Abe said the raid is a‎ follow up to the sensitisation visit paid to the market a week back as well as the stakeholders meeting organised by the taskforce to warn and advice all street hawkers and traders to desist from carrying out their illegal activities around the market.

According to him, most of the suspected miscreants were arrested between 2am and 4am on the Oshodi bridge between Anthony and Charity bus stops which further served as an indictment against them.

Among those arrested were nine underage children,189 adults and five women.

On the removal of shanties and extensions, the chairman said the state government had no choice but to enforce the “zero tolerance”‎ for street trading rules since the traders had remained recalcitrant and the taskforce would not fold its arms while such illegalities continued.

He therefore warned that the exercise will be extended to other noticeable part of the state where this particular act is being perpetuated while Oshodi will be sustained.

Meanwhile all suspects will be thoroughly screened and only those found wanting will be charged before the court of law.