Lagos taskforce dismisses viral theft allegation against injured officer

By Deborah Akpede

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce has dismissed a viral social media report alleging that one of its police operatives was involved in theft during an enforcement operation in the Oshodi area.

The viral video which began circulating on Wednesday, showed the officer in uniform seated on the ground and bleeding from the mouth as the mob beat him.

In a statement on Thursday in Lagos, the agency’s spokesperson, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, described the allegation as false and misleading.

He said that the officer referenced in the allegation was part of the Taskforce Environmental Services Unit, which was supported by police operatives providing security backup during a routine operation on Brown Street, Oshodi, on Tuesday at about 10:00 a.m.

Gbadeyan said the team was clearing roadside goods, removing obstructing vehicles, and ensuring walkways were free tasks the agency described as crucial during the busy yuletide season.

“The lawful operation was disrupted when street traders, area boys, and illegal ticket collectors allegedly launched an unprovoked attack on the enforcement team.

“The attackers reportedly attempted to seize a service rifle and inflicted serious injuries on one of the operatives.

“Taskforce personnel used minimal force to disperse the mob and restore order, ” he said.

According to him, four suspects of ages 28, 34, 39 and 40 have been apprehended and are expected to face prosecution while other accomplices fled the scene.

The spokesperson urged the public to disregard the viral claims, describing them as a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to distort the facts and conceal a criminal attack on government officials performing their duties.

The image maker said that the incident had been reported to the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation.

He said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Moshood Jimoh, had assured residents that both visible and covert security arrangements across the State would be strengthened.

“CP Jimoh, while assuring residents, warned that all acts of criminality or behaviour undermining public order will attract swift and appropriate sanctions, ” Gbadeyan said.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing environmental and traffic regulations across the state, stating that it would not be deterred by attempts to obstruct legitimate government operations.

(NAN)