The Lagos State Taskforce has intensified enforcement operations against recalcitrant commercial motorcycle operators across the state, impounding 278 motorcycles in a weeklong exercise targeting violators of the State’s ban on Okada operations on highways and restricted routes.
This was disclosed by the Director, Public Affairs of the Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, in a statement on the latest enforcement drive.
He said the operation is in line with the Lagos State Government’s directive banning commercial motorcycles from operating on state highways and other restricted routes, as provided under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
Abdulraheem said the exercise is also part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the security architecture of Lagos State, protect lives and property, and prevent the activities of criminal elements, in line with the renewed commitment of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, to sustaining security and public order.
According to him, the agency conducted the weeklong enforcement operation across several parts of the State following an earlier clampdown exercise carried out weeks ago, underscoring the Taskforce’s determination to maintain sustained pressure on violators of the Okada restriction, environmental regulations, and security laws.
The enforcement exercise covered strategic locations, including Ikorodu, Agric Bus Stop, Festac-First Gate, Mazamaza, Iyana School, Iyana-Iba, Idimu Road, Egbeda, Kola Bus Stop, Iyana Ipaja, Ikotun Roundabout, Ijaiye in Ojokoro, Berger Bus Stop, Ojodu, Akowonjo Roundabout, Igando Bus Stop, LASU-Iba Road, and Pipeline Road, Idimu, among others.
During the operation, several commercial motorcycle operators were apprehended while illegally plying highways and restricted routes with reckless disregard for public safety.
Some were found using motorcycles to transport illicit substances and hazardous items such as petroleum products and gas, while others were seen conveying school children and toddlers in unsafe conditions on major roads.
At the conclusion of the weeklong operation, a total of 278 commercial motorcycles were impounded, restoring sanity and improving compliance across the affected areas.
The Taskforce reiterated that all impounded motorcycles would be processed for forfeiture to the State through the courts in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations until full compliance is achieved.
“We will not be cowed or fold our arms and allow people of criminal intent to overrun Lagos or surrender to their illegalities,” CSP Akerele stated.
