In a significant move to curb disorderly conduct on Lagos roads, the state government has arrested 25 street urchins, popularly referred to as ‘Omotaku’, along the Lekki axis.
The arrests were confirmed by Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post on X on Wednesday.
According to Wahab, the suspects were apprehended by the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) squad during evening patrols targeting motorists’ harassment.
He warned that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated. “During our evening patrol today, 25 individuals {Omotaku} who were harassing motorists along the Lekki axis were arrested,” Wahab stated.
He added, “Harassment of road users and other forms of disorderly conduct will not be tolerated. Our enforcement teams will continue to monitor key corridors across the State to ensure public safety and maintain order.
Those apprehended will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.”
The arrests form part of a broader enforcement drive targeting street urchins, beggars, and other nuisances across Lagos.
In a recent operation on Tuesday, 86 beggars, nine children, and 12 miscreants were apprehended in the Agege and Ketu areas, further highlighting the government’s intensified efforts to restore public safety.
Moreover, on February 26, authorities arrested 50 miscreants occupying the Abule Ado pedestrian bridge, demonstrating the ongoing campaign against public space abuse. “Our teams remain committed to ensuring that Lagos remains safe for all residents and road users,” Wahab noted.
Officials emphasised that the focus of these patrols is not only to maintain law and order but also to deter repeat offenders from disrupting traffic and threatening public safety. Enforcement teams will continue to operate across major corridors, particularly areas with high pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Residents and motorists in Lekki have welcomed the arrests, describing the action as long overdue. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has assured that further monitoring and enforcement exercises will continue to prevent harassment and ensure a safer environment for road users.
Break their legs. Once they can’t walk, all of them will reduce