Lagos Task Force Dismisses Two Officers for Theft During Raid
The Lagos State Task Force has dismissed two of its officers, Fatai Yusuf, 42, and Hammed Garuba, 38, after they were caught stealing during a recent operation.
Task Force spokesperson Abdulraheem Gbadeyan disclosed the development in a statement on Friday. According to Gbadeyan, the officers stole mobile phones during a raid at a hotel in Gowon Estate, a location notorious for harboring drug users and traffickers. The operation had led to multiple arrests.
The theft, which was captured on CCTV, compromised the integrity of the raid. Following a thorough investigation by the agency’s disciplinary committee, the officers were found guilty and subsequently dismissed. They will also face prosecution for theft.
CSP Adetayo Akerele, the Task Force Chairman, condemned their actions, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to ethical conduct. Akerele warned all personnel that violations of the agency’s code of conduct would be met with severe consequences.
Gbadeyan reiterated the agency’s dedication to upholding discipline, equity, and justice, stressing that any act undermining public trust would be decisively addressed.
In a related development, suspects apprehended during the Gowon Estate raid have been arraigned. Among them, 53 individuals arrested in earlier operations were remanded at the Badagry Correctional Centre after being charged in court. Another 43 suspects were detained during a subsequent operation in the same area, which also saw the demolition of drug hideouts and shanties to deter criminal activities.
The Lagos Task Force remains committed to eradicating drug-related crimes and maintaining public safety, aligning with the Lagos State THEMES Plus agenda.