The Lagos State Government has released two dedicated emergency contact numbers to enable residents and motorists to quickly report harassment, intimidation and other street-level threats, strengthening public safety and providing faster access to rescue and intervention across the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the numbers are particularly important for motorists who find themselves vulnerable during situations such as vehicle breakdowns, when harassment by street-level criminals is more likely.
According to the commissioner, anyone experiencing distress linked to street-level crime can now directly reach the Lagos State Taskforce through 09137555111 and 09138555111 for swift assistance.
“Lagosians, especially motorists, should promptly reach out to the Taskforce whenever street urchins or criminal elements constitute a nuisance or threat within their vicinity,” Wahab said, describing the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety on Lagos roads and in public spaces.
He explained that the publication of the rapid-response numbers complements the state’s sustained clean-up and enforcement operations, which are aimed at restoring order and deterring criminal behaviour.
While the emphasis is on rapid response and public safety, Wahab confirmed that enforcement activities have continued across both the Island and Mainland.
During a week-long operation, the Lagos State Taskforce arrested 281 suspects in areas including Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, the Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Bourdillon, Victoria Island, Lagos Island, Yaba, Jibowu, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Egbeda, Akowonjo Road, Fadeyi, Costain, Apongbon and Palmgrove, as well as other adjoining locations where street harassment had been reported.
All the suspects, the commissioner said, have since been arraigned in court, adding that the enforcement exercise is a continuous one rather than a one-off operation.
Wahab noted that recent operations build on verified reports of arrests carried out in the past few weeks, as the state intensifies efforts to curb the activities of street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, and other criminal elements who harass motorists and pedestrians.
He stressed that public cooperation remains critical to the success of the initiative, urging residents to report incidents promptly rather than endure threats in silence.
“The combination of rapid communication, visible enforcement and sustained prosecution is intended to make Lagos safer for everyone,” Wahab said, assuring residents that the state remains committed to protecting lives, property and public spaces.
