LAGOS TASKFORCE IMPOUNDS 278 ILLEGAL OKADA IN WEEK-LONG ENFORCEMENT OPERATION

LAGOS TASKFORCE IMPOUNDS 278 ILLEGAL OKADA IN WEEK-LONG ENFORCEMENT OPERATION

...Vows to Sustain Crackdown on Traffic Violators, Criminal Elements

The Lagos State Taskforce has intensified its enforcement against commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, impounding no fewer than 278 motorcycles during a week-long operation across major roads and highways in the state.

The exercise, carried out in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, targeted operators violating the state's ban on commercial motorcycles on highways and other restricted routes.

According to the Agency, the operation also forms part of the Lagos State Government's broader strategy to strengthen security, safeguard lives and property and curb the activities of criminal elements exploiting motorcycles for unlawful activities. The enforcement aligns with the renewed commitment of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, to maintaining law and order across the state.

The week-long operation followed an earlier enforcement exercise and covered several 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 in Idimu, among other areas.

During the operation, Taskforce officials apprehended several commercial motorcycle operators found illegally plying restricted routes. Some of the riders were allegedly caught transporting petroleum products, gas cylinders and other hazardous materials, while others were seen conveying school children and toddlers in unsafe conditions on major highways.

The Agency disclosed that all 278 impounded motorcycles would be processed for forfeiture to the Lagos State Government through the courts, in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

Speaking on the exercise, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reaffirmed the Agency's resolve to sustain enforcement operations until full compliance with the law 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," Akerele said.

The Taskforce assured residents that enforcement operations would continue across the state as part of efforts to ensure public safety, improve traffic management and maintain law and order.