Authorities seize 66 bikes in Lagos Island crackdown

n n

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) has impounded 66 commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okadas, for allegedly violating the state’s transport regulations.

n

The Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this in a statement signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, on Tuesday in Lagos.

n

Akerele said the motorcycles were impounded during an enforcement operation conducted on Monday across parts of Lagos Island.

n

He said the exercise was aimed at curbing illegal commercial motorcycle operations and other activities constituting a nuisance and security threat.

n

According to him, the enforcement team visited CMS Bus Stop, Obalende, Osborne Roundabout, Abraham Adesanya Road, Lekki-Ajah Expressway and the Lagos Coastal Road.

n

He said the operators were found riding on restricted routes and constituting a nuisance to motorists and other road users.

n

“During the operation, 66 commercial motorcycles were impounded, while normalcy was restored in the affected areas,” he said.

n

The chairman said the agency had intensified intelligence gathering and tactical operations to eliminate illegal okada operations from restricted highways, bridges and other prohibited routes across the state.

n

He said some recalcitrant operators had devised different tactics to evade enforcement, but added that the agency’s intelligence-driven approach would make it increasingly difficult for them to operate illegally.

n

Akerele warned that subsequent enforcement operations would target not only illegal motorcycle operators but also passengers found violating the law.

n

He reiterated that all impounded motorcycles would be forfeited to the Lagos State Government through the courts in accordance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

n

Akerele reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations across the state until full compliance was achieved. (NAN)

n n