Lagos State Taskforce arrests 52 commercial sex workers

The Lagos State Task-force on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit has arrested 52 commercial sex workers.

The ladies, whose ages range between 18 and 34 years, were raided at different spots in Isaac John and Toyin streets in Ikeja by policemen attached to the unit.

It was learnt that the exercise, which took place between 10pm on Wednesday and 1am on Thursday, was as a result of several petitions by residents of the areas against the sex workers.

The source within the task force, said, “We started moving round Toyin Street and later Isaac John Street to know where the prostitute usually stand to solicit for customers. “As soon as we were satisfied, we started arresting them. The exercise did not last for more than three hours.”

Task force Chairman, Bayo Sulaiman, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed the arrest.

He said, “There had been complaint by residents against a surge of commercial sex workers on Isaac John and Toyin streets. “Isaac John Street is where we have the Government House and it is a criminal offence to solicit for sex by roadside.”

He warned that the task force would extend its raids to Lagos Island, Ikoyi and Victoria Island where he said commercial sex activities had been on the increase.