Lagos taskforce sacks 2 for stealing phones

Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed two of its officers, Fatai Yusuf (42) and Hammed Garuba (38), for theft during a recent raid on a hotel in Gowon Estate, Ipaja of the state.

It was gathered that the hotel was suspected to be a hub for drug users and traffickers.

According to a statement from the Taskforce’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the officers were caught on CCTV cameras stealing mobile phones from the scene of the operation, compromising the integrity of the raid.

However, a thorough investigation by the agency’s Disciplinary Committee led to their termination, and both officers now face legal action for theft.

CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, strongly condemned the officers’ actions, reaffirming the agency’s unwavering commitment to maintaining professionalism, accountability, and integrity in its operations.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Taskforce operates on principles of discipline, equity, and justice. Any action that compromises public trust or the agency’s credibility will be dealt with decisively,” he warned.

“The Taskforce’s crackdown on drug hotspots continues, with 43 suspects arrested during a subsequent operation in Gowon Estate.”

Akerele noted that Illegal drug hideouts and shanties were demolished as part of efforts to deter criminal activities in the area.

Meanwhile, in an earlier operation, 53 drug peddlers and users were apprehended and have since been remanded at Badagry Correctional Centre following their court arraignment.