Rights Abuse: Lagos Police Chief Warns Task Force Faces Disbandment

The commissioner of police in Lagos, Moshood Jimoh, has warned that the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) could be dissolved if cases of misconduct and human rights violations persist.

Jimoh, who spoke at a press briefing in Ikeja weekend, said the Command would no longer tolerate unprofessional conduct among officers, especially amid growing allegations of extortion and abuse.

He stressed that the police would not shield any officer found guilty of wrongdoing, declaring that accountability would be enforced across board.

“We are not going to defend any police officers who embark on any wrongdoing. We won’t,” the commissioner said.

Jimoh noted that recent complaints against the task force — including allegations of extortion and involvement in civil disputes — have heightened public concern, with a viral video showing operatives allegedly arresting lawyers over a land matter further fuelling criticism.

Reacting to the development, he said the Command had previously taken disciplinary action against erring officers and would not hesitate to do so again, citing a case in Owode Onirin where officers were charged to court.

He urged members of the public to provide credible evidence to support investigations, adding that any verified case of misconduct would be dealt with decisively.

The commissioner warned that continued violations could trigger drastic action, including the dissolution of the entire task force and its replacement with a new set of officers.

He disclosed that reforms are already underway, including the deployment of newly screened and trained officers, as well as plans to collaborate with civil society and human rights organisations to improve professionalism and accountability.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Task Force has denied allegations that its operatives towed a vehicle in Ijesha and demanded ₦250,000 for its release. The agency’s spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, described the claim as false and malicious, insisting the vehicle was not in its custody.

Jimoh, however, reiterated that the police command remains open to feedback from residents as part of efforts to address lapses and improve service delivery.