MY EXPERIENCE WITH LAGOS STATE TASK FORCE MEN ON ILLEGAL OPERATION

On Wednesday 4th March, 2026 a few minutes to 6am, I took my Mum to Lagos International Airport and on my way back I had this encounter with the Lagos State Task Force Men at *Cele Bus Stop between 6:30am – 7am.*

An officer in his uniform (black and khaki green trouser) stopped me, then a man on white top, fair in complexion rushed to my car.

I rolled down my window and he put his hand inside the vehicle to unlock the car and entered my car.

He was very fast to put off my ignition and remove the car key.

I asked “what have I done?”

The office and the man said I parked down there to drop someone.

I was shocked. I told them I took my Mum to the Airport and I’m just returning.

I’m the only one in my car so I never stopped to drop anyone I said.

They told me to my face they will slap and beat me up.

I raised my voice to say, you will slap and beat me up for what?

I kept shouting that I never dropped anyone as I only went to the airport to drop my mum and I’m just returning.

People around the area were watching and hearing my voice as I brought out my ID Card to show to them so they know the kind of person I am.

They cared not to look at my ID Card but looking for a way to drive my car which I never allowed.

I noticed one of the officers fully dressed with a gun was negotiating with a Toyota Highlander they had stopped and immediately he finished with the vehicle he joined them to say they are going to beat me up.

I said for what?

An SUV coming with speed nearly hit me because we were on the road *then the officer said that vehicle go just kill you.*

I said yes, let the vehicle kill me na.

I recognized one of them very well and I told him were you not the one coming to do illegal work at Abule Ado area. He denied saying he’s not the one.

They became worried with my boldness and the one on white top spoke in Yoruba language as he handed over my car key to me.

I said to them, so *Yoruba ni yin, ewo nkan ti e wa nse (you people are Yoruba and see what you are doing).*

The people at cele that very time can bear me witness and as well testify to the illegal operation of these evil men.

_*Further steps I took*_

*1. I reported at Ijeshatedo Police Station at Cele Bus Stop.*

I drove to Ijeshatedo Police Station immediately to ask for the DPO in order to make a report and see if these officers could be arrested..

DPO wasn’t on seat then I asked for a senior officer whom I was able to meet.

I narrated my experience with the aim they would follow me there but the below 👇 responses I got;

– They are robbers.
– Just thank God they didn’t collect your car.
– Go and thank God.

I told them at the station that, these people are denting the image of the government and the force which one of the reasons I came to report is for them to be apprehended.

The response I got next was, I should go to Ago Police Station because that area is not their jurisdiction.

I said ok that I will call the Chairman Task Force.

*2. I contacted Lagos State Task Force PRO and the Hotline.*

The PRO didn’t pick then I called the Hotline and someone (male) picked.

I narrated what happened then requested if a team can be sent down immediately that I’m at Ijeshatedo Police Station.

The responses I got was;
– We can’t come down.
– They could be illegal officers.
– If they carry your car ask them where they are going.
– Since you have collected your car key just go.

I insisted they need to be arrested and I was told ok they would be called to order.

At this point I had to cut off the phone because the response I was getting not encouraging.

*3. I called the SA on Transportation to Mr Governor*

Thank God he picked and I narrated everything as well letting him know I am at the station and I called the Task Force Hotline with their responses which I wasn’t satisfied with.

The SA responded to say;
– Sorry about your experience.
– He can guarantee me they are not Task Force Men.

I expressed my disappointment with the response I got at the station and from the task force hotline and this again.

*4. At past 12pm yesterday, I sent a Whatsapp message to the Chairman Task Force*
– The Chairman acknowledged my message and asked for further details which I have provided with a voice note.
– Till now that I’m making this report no feedback was received.

*_Observations_*
1. They carry out such illegal work at dark hours.
2. A lot of drivers (private vehicles) must have been extorted that morning.
3. The same tactics the then Mushin LG Boys were using is being adopted by these evil men.
4. They stopped private vehicles at random then accused them of violating traffic offense by stopping to drop someone or park.

Thank you.