The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the Lagos State Task Force, has denied involvement in an alleged incident involving the driver of a Toyota Tacoma over an inscription on the vehicle.
The controversy began after a video shared online showed the motorist claiming that some officials stopped him and demanded a permit for the “TRD 4×4 Sport Tacoma” inscription displayed on his vehicle.
According to the driver, the inscription was part of the vehicle when it was purchased in the United States and was not placed on the vehicle as an advertisement.
He also alleged that the officials threatened to damage his side mirror if he failed to provide the requested permit.
However, the Task Force denied being involved in the incident.
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The agency’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Raheem Gbadeyanka, said residents sometimes mistake officers from other government agencies for Task Force personnel, particularly when they see officers wearing camouflage uniforms.
He further stated that the Task Force no longer handles traffic-related offences following a directive from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
Gbadeyanka also clarified that requesting permits for inscriptions on vehicles is not within the Task Force’s mandate.
The issue comes amid Lagos State regulations governing branded vehicles. The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) operates a Mobile Advert Permit system covering branded cars, trucks and other vehicles used for advertising purposes.
The Task Force, however, maintained that its operatives were not responsible for the reported encounter and had no mandate to demand a permit for ordinary vehicle inscriptions.
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