The Lagos State Taskforce has pushed back hard against a viral Facebook video by Objectv alleging that its operatives have returned to the roads to impound vehicles and shake down motorists, calling the claims false and without factual basis.
The agency questioned why it would redeploy operatives to routine roadside traffic enforcement when its personnel are currently occupied with environmental offences, criminal hideouts and special law enforcement operations across the state.
“Which Mobile Court in Alausa handled the matter? Where are the court papers? What is the registration number of the vehicle allegedly impounded? Where exactly was the vehicle towed to? These are basic questions any responsible journalist should answer before going public with such serious allegations,” a senior agency official said.
Officials pointed out that the publication failed to provide the registration number of the allegedly impounded vehicle, the exact location of the incident, where the vehicle was taken, or any evidence of prosecution details, which they described as the minimum required to establish authenticity.
The Taskforce also challenged Objectv to connect investigators with the vehicle owner for independent verification, while raising the possibility that the operatives seen in the video may not be genuine government personnel at all.
“Impostors and unauthorised enforcement groups have continued to operate in parts of Lagos, often disguising themselves as government operatives to harass unsuspecting residents and motorists,” an official said, adding that individuals in the referenced video reportedly lacked the branded reflective jackets and official identification tags introduced under CSP Adetayo Akerele Ike’s leadership to distinguish legitimate Taskforce operatives from other formations.
The agency also expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of online publications linking the Taskforce to every controversial roadside enforcement incident in the state without concrete proof, warning that such reporting damages institutional reputation and erodes public trust.
“Was the matter properly investigated before publication? Was the agency contacted for clarification? Were efforts made to confirm the identity of the officers involved? These are fundamental ethical obligations in journalism,” the official added.
The Taskforce stopped short of ruling out legal action, hinting it may pursue options against platforms found to be deliberately spreading damaging falsehoods.
It also said that should credible evidence surface identifying impostors operating under its name, it would work with relevant authorities to ensure prosecutions.
