Lagos Taskforce Seizes 309 Motorcycles, Clears Alaba Rago of Illegal Structures

Lagos Taskforce Seizes 309 Motorcycles, Clears Alaba Rago of Illegal Structures

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) has impounded 309 commercial motorcycles operating illegally along the ECOWAS Road corridor during a major enforcement operation aimed at restoring order and strengthening security across the state.

The exercise, carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and supported by the Lagos State Police Command, also led to the removal of illegal kiosks, makeshift stalls, shanties, street trading points and other environmental nuisances obstructing highways in the Alaba Rago axis and adjoining communities.

According to the agency, the operation formed part of the Lagos State Government's continued enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles on restricted routes, while complementing broader efforts to enhance public safety and tackle criminal activities.

The enforcement covered Orile-Iganmu Bus Stop, Suuru-Alaba Bus Stop, Mile 2 Underbridge, Mazamaza Bus Stop, Festac First Gate, Iyana-Ira, Abule-Ado, Alakija Bus Stop, Iyana-Iba, Alaba Rago, Old Ojo Road and Okoko Bus Stop, among other locations.

In addition to impounding 309 motorcycles, officials dismantled illegal kiosks, removed abandoned household items, unapproved plank structures, indiscriminately displayed building materials and other obstructions that impeded traffic and violated environmental regulations.

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

Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, described the level of lawlessness along the corridor as disturbing, blaming illegal ticketing, street trading and the activities of recalcitrant commercial motorcycle operators for worsening insecurity, traffic congestion and environmental degradation.
He reiterated the agency's resolve to sustain enforcement operations across the state until full compliance with extant laws is achieved.

"No stone will be left unturned in our determination to restore sanity. It is high time criminal elements operating in Lagos State either desist from these unlawful activities or relocate. We will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour to guarantee a safer, cleaner and more orderly Lagos for everyone," Akerele said.

The Taskforce maintained that the operation aligns with the state's drive to improve public safety, environmental sanitation and traffic management while supporting ongoing security initiatives across Lagos.