Juliet Ezeh
Frustration is mounting among motorists in Lagos over alleged extortion by the state’s Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, popularly known as the Task Force, which is tasked with enforcing traffic regulations and public order.
Several drivers say they have repeatedly been asked to pay large sums of money to recover vehicles impounded for traffic offences, a development they describe as “arbitrary and financially burdensome.”
Moshood Alaje, a 43-year-old electrical engineer, recounted his experience on October 20, 2025, when he visited a mechanic in Ikotun. According to Alaje, after parking his car to carry out routine maintenance, Task Force officers seized it, citing a traffic violation on a one-way road that had previously gone unmarked. He said he was eventually asked to pay over N100,000 in cash before reclaiming his vehicle.
“Before I could get my car back, I had to navigate through multiple people and payments. The experience left me shocked and frustrated,” Alaje told our correspondent.
Similarly, other residents reported incidents where officers allegedly used spare keys to remove vehicles from private spaces, transported them to government offices for “investigation,” and demanded large cash payments before releasing the vehicles.
Experts say such reports highlight systemic challenges in traffic enforcement. The Task Force, which operates under the 2018 Transport Sector Reform Law and the 2012 Lagos State Traffic Law, was established to curb traffic violations such as driving against one-way traffic and obstructing public officers. Yet, allegations of abuse have persisted, with residents claiming that enforcement is sometimes arbitrary and financially exploitative.
Fidelis Oji (not his real name) described being apprehended three times in 2023, paying sums ranging from N5,000 to N100,000 to recover his car, even when violations were unclear. “The experience almost discouraged me from driving into Lagos altogether,” he said.
Residents further claim that payments are demanded in cash only, without bank transfers, leaving no official record. “They collect bribes and allow commercial drivers to flout rules while ordinary motorists are targeted,” said Rasheed Ajala, a resident of Isolo.
The Task Force has defended its operations. Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, described allegations of bribery as “misleading and malicious.” He said all enforcement activities are conducted according to law and properly documented, adding that officers are trained paramilitary personnel.
The Lagos State Police Command also weighed in, noting that some motorists, including a driver identified as Lateef Adeyemo, had violated traffic regulations and attempted to evade arrest, prompting their vehicles to be taken in for further investigation.
Authorities say reforms are underway. Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, warned that continued misconduct could lead to the dissolution of the Task Force. He said newly screened officers are being deployed, and human rights and civil society groups are being engaged to improve adherence to lawful procedures.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has summoned Task Force Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele over alleged extortion and misconduct, signaling increased scrutiny of the agency’s operations.
As Lagos continues to grapple with traffic congestion and enforcement challenges, residents call for greater transparency and fairness in the treatment of motorists, urging authorities to ensure that enforcement measures do not become avenues for exploitation.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.