LAGOS TASKFORCE DISLODGES BLACK SPOTS IN CELE, ITIRE, ILASAMAJA, ARRESTS THREE SUSPECTED DRUG PEDDLERS
…Chairman, CSP Akerele, Commends Residents and Whistleblower for Supporting Security Operations
In its sustained efforts to rid Lagos State of environmental nuisances, illicit drug activities and other forms of criminality, the Lagos State Taskforce has carried out an enforcement operation targeting identified black spots in Cele, Itire, Ilasamaja and other parts of the State.
The operation, which commenced in the early hours of the day, was led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who personally supervised the exercise across identified locations notorious for illicit drug-related activities, public disturbances and other criminal tendencies.
During the operation at Itire, the Chairman commended the whistleblower and residents of the area for their vigilance, cooperation and willingness to take responsibility for the safety and security of their community. He noted that sustained citizen participation and timely intelligence-sharing remain vital to identifying and dislodging criminal elements from neighbourhoods across the State.
The enforcement exercise resulted in the arrest of three suspected drug peddlers allegedly involved in the sale and distribution of substances including marijuana, Colorado and Indian hemp to adults, underage persons and street urchins around Cele Bus Stop, Itire and Ilasamaja. These illicit activities have reportedly contributed to recurring public disturbances, street fights, cult-related activities, youth violence and other criminal tendencies in the affected communities. Some of the suspects were also alleged to have engaged in activities capable of threatening the safety of residents and passersby, particularly during the early hours of the day.
The suspects, identified as Bello Musa (18), Abubakar Musa (27), both of No. 23, Adebayo Street, Cele-Ijesha, and Agboola Fuad (24), of No. 4, Sewage Street, Abaranje, Ijegun, Lagos, have been arraigned before a court on three counts bordering on the possession and sale of illicit drugs, inciting members of the public against officers performing lawful duties, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges, while the case was adjourned until December 9, 2026, for further proceedings.
CSP Akerele reiterated that active citizen participation, alongside sustained enforcement operations by the Taskforce and other relevant security and regulatory agencies, remains essential to maintaining public order, promoting environmental sanity and ensuring lasting peace across Lagos State. He stressed that individuals found engaging in criminal activities and violating applicable environmental laws would be made to face the full weight of the law.
Speaking at the Agency’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, the Chairman urged residents to take an active interest in determining the security and safety of their immediate communities by reporting suspicious activities and cooperating with law enforcement agencies. He also cautioned young people against involvement in illicit drug-related activities, street violence and cultism, warning that such conduct could jeopardise their future and undermine the prospects of generations yet unborn.
He further advised residents to be discerning in their associations and avoid keeping company with individuals whose activities and conduct could expose them to criminality or negatively affect the development of their communities.
The Lagos State Government, through the Taskforce, remains resolute in its zero-tolerance stance against drug peddling, environmental nuisances and criminal activities as part of its broader commitment to building a cleaner, safer and drug-free Lagos.
Gbadeyan Abdulraheem
Director, Public Affairs
Lagos State Taskforce
