- For alleged link to drug trafficking
Operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on the Environment and Other Related Offences have arrested 278 commercial motorcycles aka Okada.
Some of the motorcycles were allegedly used by their riders to transport illicit drugs to different parts of the State.
Spokesperson of the agency, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, confirmed this in a statement on Sunday.
Gbadeyan said: “In line with the Lagos State Government’s directive banning commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, from operating on State highways and other restricted routes, as provided under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, the Lagos State Taskforce has intensified enforcement operations against recalcitrant operators across the State.
“The exercise is also part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the security architecture of Lagos State, protect lives and property, and prevent the activities of criminal elements, in line with the renewed commitment of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, to sustaining security and public order.”
He added: “The agency conducted a weeklong enforcement operation across several parts of the state following an earlier clampdown exercise carried out weeks ago.
“The operation underscores the Taskforce’s determination to maintain sustained pressure on violators of the Okada restriction, environmental regulations, and security laws,” the task force image maker stated.
According to him: “The enforcement exercise covered strategic locations including Ikorodu, Agric Bus Stop, Festac First Gate, Mazamaza, Iyana School, Iyana Iba, Idimu Road, Egbeda, Kola Bus Stop, Iyana Ipaja, Ikotun Roundabout, Ijaiye in Ojokoro, Berger Bus Stop, Ojodu, Akowonjo Roundabout, Igando Bus Stop, LASU Iba Road, and Pipeline Road, Idimu, among others.
“During the operation, several commercial motorcycle operators were apprehended while illegally plying highways and restricted routes with reckless disregard for public safety.
“Some were found using motorcycles to transport illicit substances and hazardous items such as petroleum products and gas, while others were seen conveying schoolchildren and toddlers in unsafe conditions on major roads.”
The Task Force spokesperson revealed that: “At the conclusion of the weeklong operation, a total of 278 commercial motorcycles were impounded, restoring sanity and improving compliance across the affected areas.”
The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations until full compliance is achieved.
Akerele said: “We will not be cowed or fold our arms and allow people of criminal intent to overrun Lagos or surrender to their illegalities.”