The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Lagos State Taskforce, has arrested a dismissed operative, Yahaya Salami, aka Adams, over alleged impersonation and extortion.
Salami was reportedly arrested at Oshodi Bus Stop, Lagos, on Saturday after allegedly resisting an invitation by the agency’s operatives for questioning.
The arrest followed the circulation of a viral video showing task force operatives forcibly apprehending the suspect, triggering reactions on social media.
In a statement on Sunday, the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said Salami was dismissed several months ago over alleged gross misconduct, including theft, use of a fake identity card, extortion of motorists and traders, and indiscipline.
Despite his dismissal, the agency alleged that Salami continued to impersonate a serving operative.
“The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, wishes to clarify that the individual seen in the viral video is a former operative who no longer has any affiliation with the Lagos State Taskforce.
“His alleged continued impersonation of the agency’s personnel is a serious concern, as such conduct can mislead members of the public and undermine confidence in the legitimate activities of law enforcement officers,” the statement read.
The agency said its operatives had made several unsuccessful attempts to track down Salami before eventually apprehending him at Oshodi.
It added that the suspect resisted arrest after declining an invitation for questioning but was eventually arrested through what it described as tactical coordination and professionalism, with minimal force.
According to the task force, the arrest was part of efforts to prevent dismissed personnel and unauthorised individuals from exploiting the agency’s name and authority for unlawful activities.
The agency said Salami was expected to be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction on Monday, subject to the completion of necessary procedures.
Akerele warned the dismissed personnel and other individuals against impersonating task force officials or engaging in activities capable of tarnishing the agency’s image.
“The agency would not tolerate any attempt by dismissed personnel or unauthorised individuals to falsely present themselves as serving officers or engage in activities capable of bringing the institution into disrepute,” he said.
The chairman urged members of the public to verify the identities of individuals claiming to be task force officials and report suspicious activities through appropriate channels.
He also called on journalists to verify allegations and seek responses from relevant parties before publication, stressing the importance of balanced and factual reporting.
The agency added that its public enlightenment campaigns across Lagos State’s 57 local government areas and local council development areas were aimed at promoting compliance with the law, maintaining order and enhancing public safety.