Lagos Taskforce Arrests Five Members of Notorious Omotaku Gang

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, commonly known as the Taskforce, has arrested five suspected hoodlums.

These individuals are allegedly part of a notorious gang called ‘Omotaku.’ They were caught while reportedly extorting drivers along the Aboru and Abule-Egba axis of the Abeokuta Expressway.

The agency confirmed the operation on Monday, March 23, 2026. This was contained in a statement by the spokesperson, Mr Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, for the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele.

The suspects are between 23 and 38 years old. Officers picked them up after a tip-off came through the agency’s dedicated hotline from concerned citizens.

CSP Akerele explained that the arrest followed a long period of monitoring the group’s movements. He revealed that the gang had a very specific way of attacking innocent people.

Fake Mechanics Targeting Stranded Motorists

The gang reportedly looked for drivers dealing with mechanical faults on the highway. Once they found a victim, they would pretend to be helpful professionals.

CSP Akerele said, “Investigations revealed that the suspects posed as roadside mechanics, offering assistance to stranded drivers before allegedly turning on them.”

He added, “They intimidate victims and demand money, threatening to tamper with vehicle parts such as batteries, if their demands were not met.”

The Taskforce had these suspects on a watchlist for some time. This was due to many public complaints about their aggressive behavior toward road users.

Specifically, the ‘Omotaku’ group focused on commercial drivers. They preferred vehicles carrying heavy loads or goods that could not easily drive away.

CSP Akerele stated, “Their primary targets are trucks and vehicles conveying goods; They approached victims under the guise of providing mechanical assistance before resorting to threats and extortion.”

Tactics of Intimidation and Group Coordination

The investigation showed the group worked like a coordinated team. While some members distracted the driver, others acted as backup to block any escape.

Akerele said, “Other members of the group played supporting roles, including blocking drivers from accessing their vehicles and removing side mirrors to create panic and force compliance.”

This arrest is part of a wider crackdown on roadside crime in Lagos. The state government has vowed to keep the highways safe for all residents.

Following the operation, Akerele issued a stern warning to criminal elements. He made it clear that the state would no longer allow these illegal activities to continue.

Furthermore, he encouraged residents to stay alert. He asked the public to keep using official channels to report any shady characters they see on the road.

Lagos says it stays unwaveringly committed to the Smart City project, which includes enhancing security through rapid response and community tip-offs.

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