The Lagos State Environmental Taskforce has arrested 56 individuals during an overnight enforcement operation aimed at restoring order and curbing environmental violations and criminal activities across parts of the state’s Mainland.
The operation was disclosed on Saturday by the Commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, through a video clip and accompanying statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. According to the commissioner, the exercise forms part of the state government’s sustained clean-up campaign to rid public spaces of environmental abuse and activities linked to crime.
Wahab explained that the taskforce commenced the operation at about 12:20 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2026, focusing on strategic locations on the Mainland. One of the major areas covered was Akowonjo Road around the Cele Bus Stop axis, a busy corridor known for heavy traffic and commercial activity.
During the operation, officials reportedly discovered that large sections of Akowonjo Road had been taken over by illegal roadside activities. The commissioner stated that parts of the road had effectively been converted into open beer parlours, with widespread drug peddling and the presence of suspected criminal elements operating at different levels.
“The team observed that the entire stretch of Akowonjo Road by Cele Bus Stop had been grossly abused, with activities that violated state environmental laws and posed security risks to residents and commuters,” the post noted.
Officials moved in to clear the area, dismantling makeshift structures and removing items that obstructed traffic and pedestrian movement. According to the taskforce, chairs, tables, and other materials scattered across the roadway were seized as part of the clean-up.
At the end of the operation, 56 suspects were arrested. The commissioner confirmed that those apprehended would be charged to court as soon as possible in line with due process.
Wahab stressed that the exercise was not a one-off operation but part of an ongoing enforcement strategy across Lagos to promote environmental sanity, improve public safety, and discourage the use of public spaces for unlawful activities. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that roads and walkways remain free for their intended purposes and warned that similar operations would continue in other parts of the state.
Bauchi Police Arrest 20-Year-Old Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Six-Year-Old Girl
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a six-year-old girl in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib. According to the police, the suspect, identified as Bilal Ya’u, was taken into custody following a complaint lodged by the victim’s father.
Habib stated that the report was made on January 6, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m. at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Alkaleri. The father, aged 45, alleged that his daughter had been lured a day earlier into an uncompleted building by the suspect, who is said to be their neighbour.
Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Alkaleri, Kadiri Danjuma, reportedly led a team of detectives to respond immediately. The child was evacuated to the General Hospital in Alkaleri, where she received medical examination and treatment.
The police spokesperson said the suspect was successfully apprehended and, during interrogation, confessed to the allegation. Further investigation revealed that the same suspect had allegedly abused the child previously in 2024 during the rainy season. At the time, the matter was reportedly not formally reported, and the suspect was only warned by the child’s mother to stay away from her daughter.
The police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured the public that the suspect would be charged to court once the investigation is concluded.
The case adds to growing concerns over sexual offences against minors. In a related development, the Ondo State Police Command recently arrested a 55-year-old man, Ademola Joshua, over allegations of incest and sexual abuse involving a 15-year-old girl. Police in Ondo said the case came to light after inquiries were made into the cause of the victim’s pregnancy.
Law enforcement agencies across the country have reiterated their commitment to prosecuting offenders and urged the public to promptly report cases of abuse to ensure justice and protect vulnerable children.
Source: Africa Publicity
