By Emmanuel Thomas l Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
LAGOS — Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) have arrested a dismissed personnel, Yahaya Salami (popularly known as “Adams”), following a viral social media video showing his forceful apprehension at Oshodi Bus Stop.
Salami, a former paramilitary operative attached to the Taskforce, was dismissed several months ago over alleged gross misconduct, including theft, extortion of motorists and traders, use of a fake identity card, and indiscipline.
Despite his official dismissal, Salami allegedly continued to parade himself as an active officer of the Agency to perpetuate unlawful acts across the state.
Addressing the incident, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, clarified that Salami no longer has any affiliation with the agency.
According to official statements, Taskforce operatives accosted Salami at Oshodi after previous attempts to track him down failed. Upon being invited for questioning, the suspect resisted arrest.
Operatives subsequently deployed tactical coordination and minimal force to bring the situation under control and take him into custody.
Taskforce Reads Riot Act to Impersonators
CSP Akerele cautioned criminal elements against using the agency’s identity to exploit residents or tarnish its reputation.
”The arrest underscores our resolve to prevent dismissed personnel and unauthorized individuals from exploiting our name and authority for unlawful purposes,” Akerele stated. “The Taskforce 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.”
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant, verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a Taskforce official, and report suspicious conduct through official channels.
The suspect is expected to be charged in court on Monday following the completion of preliminary investigation procedures.
The Agency emphasized that its ongoing advocacy across the 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) aims to educate residents on traffic regulations, including restrictions on commercial motorcycles and one-way driving along key routes and coastal roads.
Akerele also called on media professionals to uphold balanced reporting by verifying facts with official channels prior to publication to prevent the spread of misinformation.
