Lagos Task Force Arrests 32 Suspected Street Urchins for Highway Nuisance
The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 32 street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, for allegedly causing public nuisance and obstructing traffic on major highways across the state.
According to the Taskforce, the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated enforcement operation carried out in the early hours of the day at strategic locations known for traffic disruption and street harassment. Areas covered included major expressways, bus stops, and traffic intersections where commuters frequently complain of intimidation and congestion.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce said the operation was part of the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain public order, ensure free flow of traffic, and protect residents from harassment and safety risks posed by street urchins. He noted that the arrested individuals were found engaging in activities such as loitering on highways, accosting motorists, begging aggressively, and obstructing vehicular movement.
He stressed that Lagos State has zero tolerance for acts that threaten public safety or undermine the state’s urban management policies. “Highways are not meant for trading, loitering, or any activity that endangers lives. These actions contribute significantly to traffic gridlock and accidents,” he said.
The suspects have been charged to court for prosecution in line with existing laws on environmental sanitation and public order. The Taskforce also warned that enforcement operations would be sustained across the state, urging residents to comply with the law and report any activities that constitute public nuisance to the appropriate authorities.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to keeping roads clear, improving traffic management, and ensuring a safer environment for all road users.