The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps) has called on residents to remain vigilant and prioritise safety as Easter festivities begin across the state.

In a statement issued ahead of the celebrations, the Corps warned that the period is typically marked by increased travel, social gatherings, and religious activities, which can heighten security risks.

“Easter often comes with increased movement, social gatherings, and religious activities. Consequently, we urge residents to plan their movements carefully and remain alert at all times,” the Corps said.

Travel and Road Safety Concerns

The agency advised commuters to use only trusted transport services and avoid boarding unsafe or unfamiliar vehicles.

“Many families will travel to reunite during this period. Therefore, we advise commuters to use only trusted transport services and avoid boarding unknown or unsafe vehicles,” the statement added.

Travellers were also encouraged to share their travel details with trusted contacts before departure.

Motorists, meanwhile, were urged to exercise patience amid expected traffic congestion.

“Drivers must avoid over speeding, dangerous overtaking, and all forms of reckless driving,” the Corps warned.

Community Vigilance and Home Security

Residents were also cautioned to remain careful during late-night celebrations, particularly in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas.

“We strongly advise against isolated routes and poorly lit areas at night,” the statement said.

Households planning to travel were advised to secure their homes and maintain communication with neighbours and local security contacts.

Crowded Events and Public Safety

The Corps highlighted potential risks at religious centres and event venues expected to attract large crowds during Easter.

“In such settings, we urge the public to stay observant, safeguard personal belongings, and promptly report any unusual behaviour,” it stated.

Security Measures in Place

To enhance safety, the Corps said it had intensified patrol operations and expanded surveillance coverage across Ogun State.

“We have reinforced patrol operations, expanded surveillance coverage, and deployed officers to strategic locations statewide,” the statement read.

The agency also confirmed stronger collaboration with other security agencies to ensure rapid response to emergencies.

Why It Matters

Easter is one of the busiest travel periods in Nigeria, often accompanied by increased road accidents and petty crimes.

Security advisories like this aim to reduce risks, protect lives, and ensure smooth celebrations for residents and visitors.

Shared Responsibility

The Corps emphasised that maintaining security requires collective effort from the public.

“Importantly, security remains a shared responsibility. We therefore call on community leaders, youth groups, and residents to support ongoing efforts by providing timely and useful information,” it said.

Closing Message

“As Christians mark this season of sacrifice and renewal, we extend our warm Easter greetings to all residents of Ogun State. We remain committed to ensuring that everyone celebrates in safety and returns home without incident.”

The Lagos State Police Command has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) from all traffic control and enforcement duties across the state.

The directive, issued by Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai, marks a significant shift in how traffic operations will be managed in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Why this matters

Traffic enforcement in Lagos has long been a source of public concern, with frequent complaints about overlapping responsibilities, alleged harassment, and lack of accountability.

By removing the Taskforce from traffic duties, authorities say they aim to streamline operations and improve professionalism.

In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi said:

“This directive is part of ongoing efforts to streamline traffic management operations and ensure professionalism, accountability, and clarity in the discharge of duties.”

What changes for motorists

The police clarified that the Taskforce will no longer be involved in traffic control or enforcement of traffic violations.

However, the unit will continue to carry out its other responsibilities, particularly those related to environmental sanitation and special offences.

For road users, this means fewer agencies directly involved in traffic enforcement — a move expected to reduce confusion over who has authority on Lagos roads.

Multiple taskforces still exist

Authorities also warned residents not to assume that all taskforces have been withdrawn from traffic duties.

“The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit is not the only Taskforce operating within Lagos State,” the statement noted.

Residents and motorists are urged to verify the identity of officials before making complaints or accusations.

Public reaction and expert perspective

Transport analysts say the decision could improve coordination if properly implemented.

However, some commuters remain cautious, noting that previous reforms have not always translated into better road experiences.

What’s next

The police say the move is part of broader reforms to ensure that all operations in Lagos align with legal standards and best practices.

“The Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring that all operations within the State are carried out in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

Motorists are advised to remain law-abiding and cooperate with authorised officials on the road.

The Lagos State Police Command has said a widely shared video from the Ikorodu area misrepresents an incident involving traffic officers, insisting that a driver, not Taskforce operatives, caused the disruption.

What happened in Ikorodu

Speaking on Monday, Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh said the incident occurred around 6:30am on Friday, 13 March, during routine traffic enforcement along the Mile 12 corridor.

According to him, officers intercepted a vehicle after the driver made a wrongful turn, violating traffic regulations.

Police said the driver attempted to flee by reversing into an oncoming commercial minibus, damaging the vehicle and putting other road users at risk.

Police account vs viral video

Authorities said the viral video circulating online was recorded by the suspect while his car was being transported for further investigation.

They argued that the footage “does not capture the full context of the incident”.

 “The video currently circulating online… does not capture the full context of the incident,” the police said.

The police added that the suspect allegedly resisted arrest and obstructed traffic, causing a temporary gridlock in the area.

Arrest, charges and court action

The suspect, identified as Lateef Adeyemo, was later taken before a mobile court in Oshodi.

He was charged with four offences, including breach of peace, traffic violations, obstruction of public officers, and malicious damage.

Police said he was remanded in custody after failing to meet bail conditions.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between motorists and enforcement agencies in Lagos, where traffic congestion and strict enforcement often lead to confrontations.

It also raises concerns about how viral videos shape public perception, especially when clips may not show the full sequence of events.

Legal context

Under the Lagos State Road Traffic Law (2018), driving against traffic or ignoring lawful directions can attract up to one year in prison and possible forfeiture of the vehicle.

Role of enforcement agencies

The police outlined the roles of key agencies involved in traffic and safety enforcement:

Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority regulates activities on BRT corridors.

Lagos State Task Force enforces traffic laws across the state.

Rapid Response Squad responds to emergencies and conducts patrols.

Eko Strike Force handles crisis intervention and de-escalation.

Public reaction and concerns

While some residents have questioned the conduct of Taskforce officers in past incidents, others say traffic offenders must be held accountable to reduce chaos on Lagos roads.

Transport analysts note that clearer communication and transparency are needed to rebuild trust between enforcement agencies and the public.

What police are saying

The police urged motorists to obey traffic laws and avoid spreading what they described as misleading narratives.

“No one is above the law… the Police will not be cowed by blackmail or intimidation.”

What’s next

The case is expected to proceed through the courts, while authorities say they will continue enforcement operations across major traffic corridors.