Lagos Taskforce Cracks Down on Okada Operators, Seizes 66 Motorcycles

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, also known as the Taskforce, has launched a crackdown on commercial motorcycle operators, seizing 66 okadas found to be operating in contravention of the state's transport laws. According to the Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the operation was carried out on Monday across various parts of Lagos Island, with the aim of putting an end to the menace of illegal okada operations and other activities that pose a threat to security and constitute a nuisance to other road users. The Taskforce, in a statement issued on Tuesday, revealed that the enforcement team had visited several locations, including CMS Bus Stop, Obalende, Osborne Roundabout, Abraham Adesanya Road, Lekki-Ajah Expressway, and the Lagos Coastal Road, where the erring motorcycle operators were found to be riding on restricted routes and causing a disturbance to motorists and other road users. As a result of the operation, a total of 66 commercial motorcycles were impounded, and normalcy was restored to the affected areas. The Taskforce Chairman disclosed that the agency has stepped up its intelligence gathering and tactical operations to root out illegal okada operations from restricted highways, bridges, and other prohibited routes across the state. He warned that the agency would not hesitate to target not only the operators but also passengers who are found to be violating the law in subsequent enforcement operations. Akerele reaffirmed the commitment of the Taskforce to sustaining its enforcement operations across the state until full compliance with the transport laws is achieved. The seized motorcycles are expected to be forfeited to the Lagos State Government through the courts, in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.