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The Lagos State Government has arrested 281 street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, across the state.
The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said all the suspects have been arraigned in court.
Wahab said the operation was aimed at clearing roads and public spaces, reducing risks to motorists and pedestrians, and maintaining environmental order in the state.
He said the suspects were arrested in areas where street urchins were allegedly harassing motorists and disrupting traffic.
“In continuation of the clean-up enforcement operations and its commitment to rid the State of criminal elements and street urchins popularly known as Omotaku, who terrorise Lagos motorists and force them to part with their hard-earned money, the Lagos State Taskforce have arrested a total of 281 suspects across the state,” Wahab announced on X on Saturday.
According to Wahab, the week-long enforcement exercise was carried out by the Lagos State Taskforce and covered several areas on both the Island and the Mainland.
These included Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Bourdillon, Animashahun busstop, Akowonjo road, Egbeda, Fadeyi busstop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island Palmgrove, Ojuelegba road, and Surulere, among others.
He also disclosed that “all suspects have since been arraigned in court.”
The commissioner urged residents to report cases involving street urchins or other forms of public nuisance, adding that the taskforce is available for a swift response.
“Lagosians, particularly motorists, should promptly reach out to the Lagos State Taskforce whenever Omotaku or other street urchins constitute a nuisance within their vicinity,” he said.
“Call 09137555111 or 09138555111 for swift response.”
