The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit caught 277 people, including pickpockets and troublemakers, after searching known crime spots across the city.

This arrest was part of a special effort to improve safety and reduce crime in the areas that have the most problems, said Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Task Force Director of Public Affairs, in a statement on Sunday.

The operation was led by CSP Adetayo Akerele, the head of the unit, and started early each morning last week at about 1:30 a.m. It was based on tips from residents and intelligence reports.

The team focused on several busy places like Victoria Island, Osborne Road, Coastal Road, Chevron, First and Second Roundabout, Obalende, Ikota, Lekki Phase 1 and 2, Ikoyi, Falomo Bridge, Law School area, Eko Hotel, Oniru Beach, Ketu, Isale Oja, AP Roundabout, and train tracks in Agege.

Akerele said the operation is an important step to bring peace and good order back to places that have been troubled by street criminals and mischief makers.

He added, “We want to protect people’s lives, property, and keep Lagos clean. Anyone who causes trouble in our communities should stop or face the law. We won’t stop working to make Lagos safer and cleaner.”

He also mentioned that this is part of a bigger plan to do daily checks in crime hotspots, stop illegal activities, and remove criminals from the city.

All 277 people caught have been charged in court according to Lagos state laws.