Lagos Task Force seizes 63 motorcycles from ‘recalcitrant’ Okada riders

By Deborah Akpede

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task force) said its operatives have seized 63 motorcycles during enforcement operations carried out in areas, such as Mile 2 Oke bridge, Mile2 under bridge, Berger Suya, Amuwo odofin and Apple junction in Festac area, where operators were found blatantly flouting the state’s traffic regulations.

The Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this in a statement issued by the agency spokesperson, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan on Friday in Lagos.

According to the statement, the seizures were part of continued efforts to enforce ban on motorcycles in some parts of the state.

He added that the 63 motorcycles impounded during the operation have been confiscated, and legal action will be taken against the violators.

Akerele said that the agency had launched a comprehensive operation targeting recalcitrant motorcycle (Okada) operators, who persist in violating the ban on restricted routes, highways, and bridges across the state.

“This exercise, which has been reinforced in areas where recalcitrant okada riders were noticable in the state, has led to the seizure of 63 motorcycles,” he said.

He said the agency, in collaboration with other security outfits, had vowed to maintain zero-tolerance approach to violations on the restricted routes.

“The ban on okada operations in certain areas was put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all Lagos residents, and we will not tolerate any breach of this order.

“Those who continue to operate in restricted areas, endangering the lives of road users, will face the full wrath of the law.

“Despite repeated warnings and sensitisation efforts, some operators remain defiant, thereby endangering public safety,” he said.

Akerele reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents as spelt out in the THEMES PLUS agenda, urging okada operators to adhere strictly to the laws governing their operations.

He called on members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers by reporting violations and desist from patronising okada operators for their own safety.

The agency boss vowed to continue its patrols and enforcement activities across the state, particularly in areas that were prone to illegal okada operations.

(NAN)