The Lagos State Taskforce has stepped up enforcement against defiant commercial motorcycle operators across the state, impounding 278 motorcycles during a weeklong operation aimed at enforcing the ban on Okada activities on highways and other restricted routes.
The Director of Public Affairs of the Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the exercise is part of ongoing enforcement efforts in the state.
He explained that the operation aligns with the Lagos State Government’s directive prohibiting commercial motorcycles from operating on highways and restricted areas, as contained in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
According to him, the enforcement drive also supports efforts to strengthen security, safeguard lives and property, and curb criminal activities, in line with the commitment of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, to maintaining public order.
Abdulraheem added that the weeklong operation followed previous clampdowns and reflects the Taskforce’s determination to sustain pressure on violators of the Okada restriction, environmental laws, and other security regulations.
The exercise covered several parts of the state, 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 others.
During the operation, several riders were arrested for illegally operating on highways and restricted routes with reckless disregard for public safety.
Some of the offenders were found using motorcycles to transport prohibited items such as petroleum products and gas cylinders, while others were caught conveying school children and toddlers under unsafe conditions on major roads.
At the end of the operation, 278 commercial motorcycles were impounded, with authorities saying the action has helped restore order and improve compliance in the affected areas.
The Taskforce reiterated that all seized motorcycles would be processed for forfeiture to the state through the courts, in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
Speaking on the operation, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continued enforcement until full compliance is achieved.
“We will not be cowed or fold our hands and allow people with criminal intent to overrun Lagos or surrender to their illegalities,” he said.
