Lagos arrests suspects for attacking drivers

The Lagos State Rapid Response Squad has arrested suspected criminals who have been troubling drivers along the Lekki, Ajah Expressway. This happened during a night operation aimed at catching those causing trouble in the area.

This recent operation follows the arrest of about 25 people in March. They were also accused of harassing drivers along the same route.

The suspects, known as "Omotaku," were caught during a night patrol by teams watching activities along the main roads in the area.

On Sunday, the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, shared the news of the arrests on his X handle. He did not reveal the exact number of suspects. He included a video showing the suspects. Wahab said the operation focused on people who extort, harass, and intimidate drivers.

He mentioned that some of the suspects also vandalized cars when drivers did not give in to their demands. Wahab emphasized that the squad will keep up operations based on intelligence to tackle those whose actions endanger public safety and disrupt the free movement of people and vehicles in the state.

"The operation was targeted at individuals who allegedly harass and intimidate motorists, extort money from them and, in some instances, damage vehicles when motorists refuse to yield to their demands."

He added, "The RRS will continue to sustain intelligence-led operations and enforcement actions against criminal elements whose activities threaten public safety and disrupt the free movement of people and vehicles across the state."

The Lekki-Ajah route has often seen reports of drivers being harassed by suspected touts. This has led to regular enforcement actions by security agencies in Lagos.