The Lagos State Task Force has arrested three suspected drug peddlers during an enforcement operation targeting black spots in Cele, Itire and Ilasamaja areas of the state.
The operation, which commenced in the early hours of the day, was led by the Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who supervised the exercise across locations identified as hotspots for illicit drug activities, public disturbances and other criminal tendencies.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the suspects were allegedly involved in the sale and distribution of substances, including marijuana, Colorado and Indian hemp, to adults, underage persons and street urchins around Cele Bus Stop, Itire and Ilasamaja.
“The enforcement exercise resulted in the arrest of three suspected drug peddlers allegedly involved in the sale and distribution of substances including marijuana, Colorado and Indian hemp to adults, underage persons and street urchins around Cele Bus Stop, Itire and Ilasamaja.
“These illicit activities have reportedly contributed to recurring public disturbances, street fights, cult-related activities, youth violence and other criminal tendencies in the affected communities,” the statement said.
The agency said the activities had reportedly contributed to public disturbances, street fights, cult-related activities, youth violence and other criminal tendencies in the affected communities.
The suspects were identified as Bello Musa, 18, and Abubakar Musa, 27, both of No. 23, Adebayo Street, Cele-Ijesha, and Agboola Fuad, 24, of No. 4, Sewage Street, Abaranje, Ijegun, Lagos.
They were arraigned before a court on three counts bordering on possession and sale of illicit drugs, inciting members of the public against officers performing lawful duties, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The three suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges, while the case was adjourned until December 9, 2026, for further proceedings.
Speaking during the operation at Itire, Akerele commended residents and a whistleblower for providing intelligence and cooperating with the agency to improve security in their community.
He said sustained citizen participation and timely intelligence-sharing were essential to identifying and dislodging criminal elements from neighbourhoods across the state.
Speaking at the agency’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, the chairman urged residents to report suspicious activities and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and safety in their communities.
He also warned young people against involvement in drug-related activities, street violence and cultism, noting that such conduct could jeopardise their future and undermine community development.
Akerele reiterated that the Taskforce, alongside other security and regulatory agencies, would sustain enforcement operations against drug peddling, environmental nuisances and other criminal activities.
He added that individuals found violating applicable laws would be made to face the full weight of the law.
