The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Moshood Jimoh, has warned that the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) could be disbanded if incidents of misconduct and human rights abuses continue.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ikeja on Saturday, Jimoh stated that the command would no longer tolerate unprofessional behaviour among officers assigned to the unit, especially amid growing allegations of extortion and abuse.
Report stated that the police boss emphasised that no officer found guilty of misconduct would be protected.
He said, “We are not going to defend any police officers who embark on any wrongdoing. We won’t.”
Jimoh pointed out that recent complaints against the task force, including claims of extortion and interference in civil disputes, have raised serious concerns among residents.
A viral video showing operatives allegedly arresting lawyers over a land dispute further intensified criticism of the unit.
Addressing the situation, he noted that disciplinary actions had already been taken in previous cases and warned that the command would act decisively again if needed.
“If I can charge five police officers to court for the case in Owode Onirin, then who will I not discipline if there is wrongdoing?” he said.
He added that officers accused of misconduct would be investigated and urged the public to provide credible evidence to support such cases.
Jimoh stressed that a firm warning had been issued to members of the task force, noting that further confirmed cases of abuse could lead to drastic measures.
“We have read the riot act to them… that if I have a complaint of any wrongdoing again, and it is verifiable and investigated, I will not hesitate to dissolve the entire task force and bring in a new set of officers to join them,” he said.
The commissioner revealed that reforms are already in progress, including the deployment of newly vetted officers to the unit.
“As we speak, we have been posting new officers to the task force after thorough background checks, training, and reorientation,” he added.
He also disclosed plans to work with civil society organisations and human rights groups to strengthen accountability and professionalism within the unit.
“We are going to engage human rights organisations and CSOs so that we can broaden their minds on human rights,” Jimoh stated.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Task Force has denied allegations that its operatives towed a vehicle in Ijesha and demanded ₦250,000 for its release, describing the claim as false and misleading.
The agency’s spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the vehicle was not in the unit’s custody and alleged that the report was an attempt to tarnish its image.
He maintained that the task force would continue enforcing traffic and environmental laws, urging residents to submit verifiable complaints through official channels.
Jimoh, however, reaffirmed that the police command remains open to public feedback as part of efforts to address shortcomings and improve service delivery across the state.
