The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit has arrested 22 suspected criminals allegedly using Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminals as hideouts for illegal activities. The arrests, made over the weekend, were part of an operation aimed at tackling the rising crime rate at key BRT terminals in the city.
Confirming the operation, Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, stated in a Sunday release that the raid was prompted by multiple complaints from residents and transport authorities regarding the increasing criminal activities at the Obalende and Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) terminals.
“The raid was conducted in response to persistent concerns from the public about the presence of hoodlums and miscreants who attack innocent citizens. The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) also sought our intervention as these elements had turned the TBS BRT terminal into a hub for illicit activities,” Akerele said.
The operation took place on Saturday night, with task force operatives apprehending the suspects, who were reportedly found in possession of dangerous weapons and hard drugs. According to Akerele, these individuals had been using the BRT terminals as bases to launch attacks on unsuspecting commuters and residents.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety, Akerele emphasized that anyone caught engaging in criminal activities would face severe legal consequences. “We will continue to work relentlessly to maintain peace and order across Lagos,” he added.
In addition to the arrests, Akerele assured the public that security patrols and surveillance would be intensified at key terminals to prevent future incidents. “I will ensure that other vulnerable BRT terminals across the state are routinely monitored to prevent criminals from using them as hideouts,” he pledged.
The task force also urged Lagosians to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities, stressing that public cooperation is crucial in maintaining security throughout the state.
