Confiscates goods displayed on roads

…Arrests commercial vehicles, Okada operators, and street traders at Ikorodu, Akesan, Iyana-Ipaja, and other areas

…Agency vows to compel compliance

In a determined effort to rid the metropolis of recalcitrant commercial motorcyclists, street traders, and commercial vehicle operators who persistently flout State environmental and traffic laws, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) carried out a week-long enforcement and compliance exercise across major locations in Lagos.

The Lagos State Taskforce, led by Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele, launched an operation on Monday in key areas across the state. According to Mr. Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director of Public Affairs, the operation covered major hotspots including Ikorodu Roundabout, Mile 12, Ketu-Alapere, Abule-Egba, Ile-Epo, Oke-Odo, and Iyana-Ipaja underbridge on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, as well as surrounding streets.

These locations had been flagged following numerous complaints and distress calls on persistent traffic gridlock, obstruction of pedestrian movement, and environmental infractions caused by illegal street trading, unlawful Okada operations on highways, and other related criminal activities. According to the Taskforce, these activities amount to a “three-headed violation” of traffic, environmental, and criminal laws, requiring urgent and holistic enforcement.

During the exercise, officers encountered resistance at Akesan Bus Stop in Alimosho, where hoodlums aided by Okada operators attempted to disrupt operations. The officials, however, dispersed the attackers with minimal force, ensuring no injuries were sustained.

At the end of the enforcement, 22 motorcycles and 15 vehicles were impounded, while 17 suspects were arrested for various offences. CSP Akerele noted that the drop in the number of motorcycles impounded in recent times is evidence that the State is winning the war against illegal Okada operations on highways.

Speaking on the outcome of the operation, the Chairman reiterated the Agency’s commitment to maintaining traffic and environmental order across the State.

“Recalcitrant Okada operators, street traders, and violators of environmental and traffic laws are hereby warned to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law. Lagos State will not tolerate acts that compromise public safety, environmental order, or free vehicular and pedestrian movement,” CSP Akerele warned.

He added that the confiscated goods and impounded motorcycles will be forfeited to the State through the courts and subsequently crushed, while erring commercial drivers will be sanctioned in line with the law.

According to him, the exercise is part of the Agency’s broader routine clean-up strategy to eliminate traffic impediments, tackle environmental degradation, and reduce criminal activities, thereby safeguarding law-abiding residents and businesses while promoting a friendlier and safer Lagos.

The Lagos State Taskforce assures residents of its steadfastness in ensuring safer highways, cleaner environments, and a secure city for all.