Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos State authorities have arrested 281 street urchins, locally known as “Omotaku,” across the metropolis in a coordinated enforcement drive intended to bolster public safety, restore order on major roads and highways, and clamp down on criminal behaviours associated with street begging and harassment. The arrests come after sustained complaints from commuters and residents about the nuisance posed by groups of miscreants who loiter on thoroughfares and target motorists, especially those with vehicle breakdowns or in vulnerable situations.
The Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit carried out the multi‑day operation that spanned both Island and Mainland corridors, involving areas such as Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Yaba, Apongbon, Lagos Island, Surulere, Ojuelegba, Palmgrove, Costain, Fadeyi and Egbeda, among others. According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the crackdown is part of the state’s broader efforts to keep roads and public spaces free from obstruction and to protect motorists and pedestrians from harassment.
The group popularly referred to as “Omotaku” has for years been a source of concern among Lagosians. Characterised by their aggressive presence on busy roads, particularly when vehicles break down, they have been reported to swarm motorists, demand money, and intimidate commuters, contributing to public discomfort and safety risks. Many residents and drivers have therefore welcomed the task force’s decisive action to restore confidence on major transport routes.
Authorities say that the enforcement exercise is not simply about arrests; it is part of a sustained effort to dismantle criminal elements that exploit vulnerable youths and disrupt the daily lives of Lagos residents. The task force emphasised the importance of community cooperation and urged the public to use designated emergency contact numbers to report suspicious activities or harassment by street urchins and other miscreants.
Officials clarified that all 281 suspects apprehended have since been arraigned in court as the legal process continues. The operation also underscores the government’s resolve to ensure that public spaces, highways and pedestrian routes remain safe and accessible for all law‑abiding citizens and residents.
The crackdown has been met with broad public support, with many Lagosians commending the task force for its proactive response to a longstanding concern that had dampened the sense of security on key arterial roads. There has been an outpouring of calls for sustained vigilance to prevent the re‑emergence of similar groups and to ensure that urban spaces are free from intimidation, extortion, or harassment.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring rule of law, public order and the protection of motorists and pedestrians. Through a combination of enforcement, community engagement and the expansion of rapid response mechanisms, authorities aim to reinforce a safer environment across Nigeria’s largest city.
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