The Lagos State Police Command has announced the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit, widely known as the Taskforce, from all traffic control and enforcement duties across the state. The decision marks a major shift in how traffic is managed in Nigeria’s busiest city and is expected to affect motorists, commuters, and enforcement officers alike.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, as part of ongoing efforts to improve coordination and reduce confusion on Lagos roads. The police said the move is aimed at ensuring that only properly assigned agencies handle traffic-related responsibilities.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, explained that the withdrawal takes effect immediately and applies across the entire state. She noted that the decision is part of a broader plan to bring order and professionalism to traffic management in Lagos.
According to the statement, the Taskforce will no longer be involved in traffic control or in enforcing traffic laws. However, the unit will continue to carry out its other duties, especially those related to environmental sanitation and special offences.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate and complete withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) from traffic control and traffic contravention enforcement across the state,” the statement said.
It added that the move is designed to “streamline traffic management operations and ensure professionalism, accountability, and clarity in the discharge of duties.”
Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial hub and one of the most populated cities in Africa. With millions of vehicles on its roads every day, traffic congestion has long been a major problem. Over the years, different agencies have been involved in managing traffic, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the police.
The Lagos Taskforce, originally set up to enforce environmental laws and tackle issues such as illegal street trading and sanitation offences, gradually became involved in traffic enforcement. This often led to overlaps in duties with other agencies.
Many residents have complained about confusion on the roads, with multiple officers stopping vehicles, sometimes for the same offence. In some cases, motorists reported being harassed or extorted by individuals claiming to be part of the Taskforce.
There have also been concerns about a lack of clear identification among enforcement officers. Some people wearing Taskforce uniforms were later found not to belong to the official unit, raising questions about accountability and public trust.
The police say the latest decision is meant to address these long-standing issues. By removing the Taskforce from traffic duties, authorities hope to create a clearer structure where each agency focuses on its core responsibilities.
Traffic enforcement in Lagos will now be handled mainly by agencies specifically trained and assigned for that purpose. This is expected to reduce duplication of duties and improve coordination among officials.
In her statement, Adebisi also warned residents not to assume that every officer wearing a “Taskforce” label belongs to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit.
She explained that several taskforce groups operate within Lagos, each with different roles and responsibilities. Because of this, members of the public are advised to verify the identity of any officer before making complaints or accusations.
“The Command wishes to enlighten members of the public that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit is not the only Taskforce operating within Lagos State,” she said.
“Residents and motorists are therefore strongly advised to always verify the identity of personnel and agencies before making allegations or assertions, particularly in matters relating to traffic enforcement.”
This warning comes amid growing concerns about impersonation and illegal enforcement activities in the state. Authorities say verifying officers can help reduce cases of fraud and protect residents from exploitation.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Some Lagos residents have welcomed the move, saying it could reduce harassment and make traffic enforcement more organized.
A commercial driver in Ikeja said the presence of multiple agencies on the road often caused confusion. “Sometimes you see three or four different officers stopping cars at the same place. It can be stressful,” he said. “If this will reduce that, then it is a good thing.”
However, others are cautious and want to see how the policy will be implemented. Some commuters worry that removing the Taskforce could lead to fewer officers on the road, which might worsen traffic in certain areas.
The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents that it remains committed to maintaining law and order. It said all operations in the state will continue to follow the law and best practices.
The command also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with legitimate security agencies. It emphasized that improving traffic management is a shared responsibility between authorities and residents.
As Lagos continues to grow, the need for effective traffic management becomes even more important. The withdrawal of the Taskforce from traffic duties is one step in a larger effort to address the city’s transport challenges.