Several motorists in Lagos State have expressed their frustration over the continued prevalence of traffic robberies in some parts of the state, despite the launch of a special police operation called Operation Flush aimed at curbing such crimes. The operation was initiated by the state Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, who instructed all relevant officers to review their security strategies to effectively tackle traffic robberies.
Although the operation resulted in the arrest of 88 suspects within 24 hours of its launch, some road users claim that the situation has not significantly improved in certain areas of the state. Victims of recent traffic robberies have come forward to share their harrowing experiences. Samson Olanrewaju, a motorist who was robbed along the Third Mainland Bridge, recounted how he and several others were targeted by a group of armed robbers. They demanded valuables, broke his car window, and made off with his belongings.
Another victim named Adetunji also fell prey to traffic robbers, losing cash, a wallet, and a phone. He emphasized that these criminals take advantage of traffic congestion to strike unexpectedly.
Areas such as Ketu, Abule-Egba, Ijora, Orile-Iganmu, Apapa, and Apongbon have been identified as hotspots for traffic robberies. To address this issue and enhance existing efforts, experts suggest that the police should deploy both ground and aerial surveillance strategies, including foot patrols during peak traffic times.
Despite attempts to reach out to the state Police Public Relations Officer, no comment or response has been received on the matter. Residents of Lagos State continue to call for intensified measures to tackle the persistent problem of traffic robberies.
In conclusion, while Operation Flush initially showed promise with the swift arrest of suspects, the occurrence of traffic robberies in Lagos State remains a grave concern for motorists. Urgent action is required to ensure the safety and security of residents, especially during peak traffic hours.
