The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the task force, has impounded over 600 commercial motorcycles and arrested seven individuals during a week-long enforcement operation aimed at ensuring compliance with the state’s traffic and safety regulations.
In a statement released on Sunday, the agency’s spokesperson, Raheem Gbadeyan, disclosed that the enforcement exercise began on Monday, August 11, and was led by the task force chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele. The operation targeted several areas identified as hotspots for illegal motorcycle operations and criminal activities.
Key locations affected by the operation include Ishaga, Balogun Bus Stop along Iju-Ishaga Road, Ijegun Roundabout, Iyana-Iba, Iyana-Ishasi, Igbo-Elerin, and Iyana-School. The task force also carried out enforcement at the Volkswagen Bus Stop on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and Kola Bus Stop along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, among other adjoining restricted routes.
According to the statement, these areas had been flagged after a series of complaints and distress calls from residents, citing the increasing use of commercial motorcycles, commonly known as Okada, by suspected criminals to attack innocent citizens, including tricycle operators and their passengers—particularly during late-night hours. This troubling trend, described as a “new crime wave,” prompted urgent enforcement action.
“During the operations, there was a pocket of resistance and a mob attack at the Kola Bus Stop by hoodlums aided by Okada operators who attempted to prevent the state officials from carrying out their lawful duties. They were, however, dispersed with minimal force, and no injury was sustained from any quarter,” the statement noted.
Motorcycles Confiscated as Task Force Reinforces Law and Order on Lagos Roads
The operation resulted in the seizure of 668 motorcycles and the arrest of seven suspects. Gbadeyan confirmed that law and order were successfully restored to all locations visited during the enforcement exercise.
Commenting on the outcome, CSP Akerele issued a stern warning to defiant motorcycle operators, urging them to vacate highways and restricted routes, and to adhere strictly to the state’s traffic laws and regulations. He reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to maintaining road safety and protecting lives and property across Lagos.
“Recalcitrant violators of the law should desist immediately or face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
The task force chairman further emphasized that the exercise is part of a broader clean-up strategy designed to ensure compliance and eliminate criminal elements exploiting Okada operations to endanger residents. The initiative is expected to contribute to the gradual reduction of crime and promote a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and businesses.
“All the confiscated commercial motorcycles will be forfeited to the state through the court and crushed by the state government following the law. The Lagos State Taskforce remains steadfast in its mission to ensure safer highways and a more secure Lagos for all,” the statement concluded.
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