In a major push to make Lagos roads safer, the Lagos State Taskforce has seized more than 600 commercial motorcycles, known as Okadas, during a full week of enforcement actions. The operation also led to the arrest of seven suspects, as officials targeted areas where these bikes are banned to stop crimes like robberies.
The crackdown started on Monday and was led by CSP Adetayo Akerele, the Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, also called the Taskforce. Teams focused on busy spots across the city where Okadas have been causing problems. These include Ishaga, Balogun Bus Stop along Iju-Ishaga Road, Ijegun Roundabout, Iyana-Iba, Iyana-Ishasi, Igbo-Elerin, Iyana-School, Volkswagen Bus Stop on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, and Kola Bus Stop on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, plus nearby restricted roads.
Why the big operation? Residents and officials have reported a rise in crimes linked to Okada riders. Hoodlums and thieves are using these bikes to attack people, especially at night. They target innocent pedestrians, tricycle drivers, and passengers, stealing phones, money, and other valuables. The Taskforce says this is a new wave of crime that needs strong action to protect everyone.
During the raids, things got tense at Kola Bus Stop. Some hoodlums and Okada operators tried to fight back and stop the officials. But the team used minimal force to break up the crowd, and thankfully, no one was hurt.
By the end of the week, the Taskforce had impounded 668 Okadas and arrested seven people involved in the resistance or violations. Law and order were restored in all the areas they visited.
CSP Akerele didn’t hold back in his message to rule-breakers. “Recalcitrant violators of the law should desist immediately or face the full weight of the law,” he warned. He stressed that the Taskforce won’t back down from keeping roads orderly and safe. This operation is part of their ongoing plan to chase out criminals who hide behind Okada businesses and make Lagos secure for residents and businesses.
What happens to the seized bikes? They’ll be taken to court, forfeited to the state, and crushed, as per Lagos laws.
The Lagos State Taskforce is committed to safer streets and a crime-free city for all Lagosians. This story comes from a statement by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Director of Public Affairs for the agency.
Stay tuned to BestLagos.ng for more updates on safety and enforcement in Lagos.
