The Lagos State Taskforce has intensified its crackdown on illegal Okada operations, impounding 66 commercial motorcycles found operating on restricted routes across Lagos Island and the Lekki axis.
The enforcement operation, carried out last Monday, was part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to rid the metropolis of recalcitrant commercial motorcycle operators, street traders, illegal ticket collectors and other activities considered a nuisance and security threat.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the enforcement team visited CMS Bus Stop, Obalende, Osborne Roundabout, Abraham Adesanya Road, Lekki-Ajah Expressway and the Lagos Coastal Road, where several Okada riders were found violating the state’s transport regulations.
Abdulraheem said, “At the end of the exercise, 66 commercial motorcycles were impounded, while normalcy was restored in the affected areas.”
He said the agency had intensified intelligence gathering and tactical operations to completely eliminate illegal Okada operations from restricted highways, bridges and other prohibited routes across the state.
Abdulraheem stated that some recalcitrant operators had devised different tactics to evade enforcement but warned that the agency’s intelligence-driven approach would make it increasingly difficult for them to operate illegally.
He said, “The Taskforce has intensified its intelligence gathering and tactical operations to completely eliminate illegal Okada operations from restricted highways, bridges and other prohibited routes across Lagos State.
“Although some recalcitrant operators have devised different tactics to evade enforcement, our intelligence-driven approach and tactical superiority will soon make it impossible for them to continue operating illegally.”
The Taskforce spokesperson further warned that future enforcement operations would target not only illegal motorcycle operators but also passengers who patronise them on prohibited routes.
He said both riders and passengers found violating the law would face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the relevant provisions of the state’s transport regulations.
Abdulraheem also disclosed that all motorcycles impounded during the enforcement operations would be forfeited to the Lagos State Government through the courts, in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations across the state until full compliance was achieved.
