Viral Video Prompts Official Response

A dismissed operative of the Lagos State Taskforce, Yahaya Salami, popularly known as Adams, has been arrested in Oshodi, Lagos, for allegedly impersonating serving officers and extorting motorists and traders months after his dismissal from the agency.

The arrest followed the circulation of a viral video showing Taskforce operatives forcibly apprehending Salami at Oshodi Bus Stop, an incident that generated reactions on social media.

The Lagos State Taskforce, in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said Salami had been dismissed several months ago over alleged gross misconduct, including theft, use of a fake identity card, extortion, indiscipline and other offences contrary to the agency's rules.

Resistance and Tactical Apprehension

Despite his dismissal, Salami allegedly continued to present himself as a serving officer, a development the agency said could mislead members of the public and undermine confidence in legitimate law enforcement operations.

According to the statement, operatives had made previous unsuccessful attempts to track him down before accosting him on Sunday at Oshodi Bus Stop. The agency stated that Salami was invited for questioning but allegedly rejected the invitation and resisted arrest, prompting operatives to bring the situation under control through effective tactical coordination and professionalism, with minimal force.

Clarifying the circumstances surrounding the viral video, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, stressed that Salami was no longer affiliated with the agency. Akerele said the alleged impersonation raised concerns about the possibility of unauthorised individuals exploiting the agency's name and authority to engage in unlawful activities.

He warned dismissed personnel and other individuals against falsely presenting themselves as serving officers, adding that the agency would not tolerate conduct capable of bringing it into disrepute. The suspect is expected to be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction on Monday, subject to the conclusion of necessary procedures.

Public Vigilance and Agency Mandate

The arrest has also renewed attention on the need for members of the public to verify the identities of individuals who claim to be law enforcement officers, particularly when they demand money or threaten sanctions during enforcement operations.

Urging residents to remain vigilant, Akerele advised them to report suspicious activities through appropriate channels rather than assume that everyone claiming to represent the Taskforce is an authorised official. He also warned individuals attempting to tarnish the agency's image through impersonation or other unlawful acts to desist or face the consequences of the law.

The Taskforce noted that its public enlightenment and advocacy programmes across the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State are aimed at promoting compliance with existing laws, maintaining order and enhancing public safety. The programmes also target commercial motorcycle operators and other road users, with emphasis on restricted routes, driving against traffic and compliance with traffic regulations along the coastal road and other parts of the state.

Akerele further urged journalists to uphold responsible reporting by verifying allegations, investigating claims and obtaining the perspectives of all relevant parties before publication to prevent misinformation and maintain public confidence. The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting residents, urging members of the public to embrace its campaign slogan: “See Something, Say Something.”