Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Lagos State Taskforce, have apprehended a dismissed operative, Yahaya Salami, widely known as Adams, for alleged impersonation and extortion.
​Salami, who was previously dismissed from the agency for gross misconduct including theft, was tracked down and arrested in the Oshodi area of Lagos State following a viral video clip circulating on social media that exposed his illegal operations.
​According to official sources, Taskforce personnel moved to accost Salami in Oshodi after video evidence surfaced showing him parading as an active taskforce official. Upon being approached, the suspect resisted arrest and attempted to flee before he was subdued by field officers.
​Despite his earlier discharge from service, Salami allegedly continued to pose as a serving Taskforce officer to extort money from motorists, traders, and commuters across the busy transport corridor.
​Addressing the incident in an official statement released on Sunday, October 18, 2026, through the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, condemned the suspect’s actions and warned against abusing the agency’s identity.
​”The agency will not tolerate any attempt by dismissed personnel or unauthorized individuals to falsely present themselves as serving officers or engage in activities capable of bringing the institution into disrepute,” CSP Adetayo Akerele stated. “This arrest underscores our firm determination to prevent dismissed personnel and impostors from exploiting our identity for criminal ends.”
​Akerele emphasized that public enlightenment campaigns across all 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos are ongoing to maintain law, order, and public safety.
The agency confirmed that Salami is expected to be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction on Monday, October 19, 2026, following the completion of preliminary investigations.
Members of the public are advised to verify the identity of any person claiming to be a Taskforce officer and to report suspicious conduct through official channels using the “See Something, Say Something” initiative.
CSP Akerele also urged media organisations and journalists to verify allegations with official agency spokespersons prior to publication to maintain balanced reporting.
