The Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed two officers for stealing mobile phones during a drug raid.
The raid took place at a hotel in Gowon Estate, Ipaja, suspected of harbouring drug users and traffickers.
The officers, Fatai Yusuf (42) and Hammed Garuba (38), were caught in the act by CCTV cameras.
Their actions were deemed a betrayal of the agency’s commitment to professionalism and integrity.
CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Taskforce, expressed his disappointment in strong terms.
In a statement, Akerele emphasised that the agency stands for “discipline, equity, and justice.”
He warned that any action undermining public trust would be “dealt with decisively.”
“The Lagos State Taskforce will not tolerate misconduct,” Akerele added.
The officers were subjected to a thorough investigation by the agency’s Disciplinary Committee.
Following the investigation, their employment was terminated, and legal proceedings have begun.
The officers now face charges of theft and are expected to appear in court soon.
The raid at Gowon Estate was part of a broader crackdown on drug-related activities in Lagos.
The Taskforce demolished illegal drug hideouts and makeshift structures in the area.
A total of 43 suspects were arrested during the operation.
The suspects were reportedly involved in drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
This crackdown is one of many operations aimed at curbing drug use in the state.
In an earlier operation, 53 drug peddlers and users were apprehended.
The arrested individuals were arraigned in court and later remanded at the Badagry Correctional Centre.
The Lagos State Taskforce remains committed to its mission of ridding the state of criminal elements.
Akerele reiterated that the agency’s focus is on maintaining law and order.
He stated that the Taskforce would continue to target known drug hotspots across Lagos.
Public response to the dismissal of the officers has been mixed.
While some praised the swift action taken by the Taskforce, others expressed concerns about systemic corruption.
A resident of Ipaja, who preferred anonymity, commended the Taskforce’s decision to sack the officers.
“It shows that nobody is above the law,” he said.
However, another resident voiced skepticism about the effectiveness of such measures.
“They should focus on reforming the system, not just sacking people,” she argued.
The Lagos State government has also weighed in on the incident.
A spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
“The government will not condone any act that tarnishes its image,” the spokesperson noted.
Drug abuse and trafficking remain significant challenges in Lagos.
The Taskforce’s efforts to combat these issues have been met with both support and criticism.
Civil rights groups have called for more oversight of Taskforce operations to prevent abuses of power.
In response, Akerele assured the public that measures are in place to ensure accountability.
He encouraged residents to report any misconduct by Taskforce personnel.
“Community support is crucial in our fight against crime,” he said.
As the legal case against Yusuf and Garuba unfolds, the spotlight remains on the Taskforce’s integrity.
Many hope that this incident will serve as a lesson to other officers.
The agency continues its operations, determined to restore public confidence.
For now, the Lagos State Taskforce is focused on its mandate to protect residents and uphold the law.
