The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, has impounded no fewer than 668 commercial motorcycles and arrested seven suspects in a major enforcement exercise across the state. The week-long operation, which began on Monday, August 11, was aimed at curbing the illegal use of motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, on restricted routes and tackling the rising wave of crimes linked to their operators.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the agency’s spokesperson, Raheem Gbadeyan, the operation was led by the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, and covered several flashpoints including Ishaga, Balogun Bus Stop on Iju-Ishaga Road, Ijegun Roundabout, Iyana-Iba, Iyana-Ishasi, Igbo-Elerin, and Iyana-School. Other targeted areas were Volkswagen Bus Stop along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Kola Bus Stop on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, and adjoining routes flagged for recurring criminal activities.
Gbadeyan explained that the affected locations were identified following persistent complaints and distress calls from residents, who alleged that armed miscreants often used motorcycles to launch late-night attacks on commuters, tricycle operators, and pedestrians. He disclosed that during the clampdown, the enforcement team encountered stiff resistance from hoodlums at Kola Bus Stop, who, with the support of some Okada riders, attempted to obstruct the officials. The situation, however, was quickly brought under control as the Taskforce dispersed the mob with minimal force, restoring calm without any reported casualties.
The chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Akerele, while speaking on the outcome of the exercise, reiterated that the state government would not relent in its effort to sanitize Lagos roads, protect lives and property, and ensure compliance with traffic laws. He warned commercial motorcyclists to desist from operating on highways and restricted areas, stressing that violators would face the full wrath of the law. He also assured residents that the agency was committed to maintaining traffic order and tackling crime facilitated through illegal Okada operations.
All seized motorcycles, according to the Taskforce, will be forfeited to the state through the courts and subsequently crushed, in line with existing government regulations. The agency emphasized that the clampdown was part of its wider strategy to eliminate the use of Okada as a tool for criminal activity, while working towards a safer and more secure Lagos for law-abiding residents and businesses.
