The Lagos State Police Command has officially withdrawn its Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) from all traffic management responsibilities.
The announcement, released via the Command’s official X account, marks a significant shift in how the city’s complex traffic flow will be governed moving forward.
According to the Command, the decision is rooted in an ongoing effort to streamline operations and enhance the level of professionalism and accountability among officers.
By narrowing the scope of the Taskforce, the Police Command aims to eliminate overlaps in jurisdiction and provide residents with clearer expectations of police conduct on the road.
“This directive is part of ongoing efforts to ensure clarity in the discharge of duties,” the statement read.
While the unit will no longer manage motorists or traffic intersections, the Command clarified that this is not a total disbandment. All other operational mandates of the unit, including environmental sanitation enforcement and special operations, remain fully in force.
A key highlight of the announcement was a plea for public discernment. The Command noted that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit is often unfairly blamed for the actions of other groups.
To prevent misinformation, the Police Command urged residents to always verify the identity of personnel and specific agencies before making allegations. Authorities emphasised that motorists should confirm the identity of officers to ensure reports are directed at the correct body for internal investigation.
The Lagos State Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of residents. By enforcing this new boundary, the leadership hopes to align state operations with law and best practices while minimising friction between law enforcement and the motoring public.
For years, Lagos motorists have navigated a dense landscape of enforcement agencies, ranging from LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Authority) to various police taskforces and local government committees.
This latest directive follows a series of reforms by the Lagos State Government to reduce the number of points of contact on the road, leaving traffic management to specialised agencies while the Police Taskforce focuses on its core environmental and criminal mandates. #Securitynewsalert.com
