The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, otherwise known as the taskforce, has impounded over 600 motorcycles and arrested seven suspects during a routine week-long clean-up enforcement for compliance operations.
The agency, in a statement sent to PUNCH Metro on Sunday and signed by its spokesperson, Raheem Gbadeyan, stated that the operation, which commenced on Monday, August 11, was led by its Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, and targeted key areas including Ishaga, Balogun Bus Stop in Iju-Ishaga Road, Ijegun Roundabout, Iyana-Iba, Iyana-Ishasi, Igbo-Elerin, and Iyana-School.
Others include the Volkswagen Bus Stop on the stretch of Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Kola Bus Stop on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, and other adjoining restricted routes in the areas.
According to him, these areas had been flagged following numerous complaints and distress calls indicating the persistent use of commercial motorcycles by suspected criminals to attack innocent people, tricycle operators, and their passengers, robbing them of valuables, particularly during late-night hours.
He added that this was considered a new crime wave that demanded urgent enforcement action and a holistic approach.
“During the operations, there was a pocket of resistance and a mob attack at the Kola Bus Stop by hoodlums aided by Okada operators who attempted to prevent the state officials from carrying out their lawful duties. They were, however, dispersed with minimal force, and no injury was sustained from any quarter.
“A total number of 668 Okadas were impounded, and seven suspects were apprehended. The agency successfully restored law and order to all locations visited,” the statement partly read.
Speaking on the outcome of the operation, Gbadeyan noted that the chairman issued a stern warning to recalcitrant Okada operators to leave the highways and other restricted routes, comply with rules, regulations, and the traffic laws of the state.
The chairman also emphasised that the agency would not relent in its commitment to maintaining traffic decorum on our roads and securing lives and property across the state. “Recalcitrant violators of the law should desist immediately or face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
According to the task force boss, the exercise forms part of the agency’s broader routine clean-up strategy to compel compliance to rid the state of criminal elements using Okada operations to attack innocent Lagosians, intending to gradually eliminate criminal activity and safeguard law-abiding residents and businesses in the state.
“All the confiscated commercial motorcycles will be forfeited to the state through the court and crushed by the state government following the law. The Lagos State Taskforce remains steadfast in its mission to ensure safer highways and a more secure Lagos for all,” the statement added.
PUNCH.
