The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) punished 18 erring officers and arrested over 7,000 vehicles through physical enforcement in the first six months of 2025.

The authority arrested the vehicles for various traffic offences.

The general manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made this known in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Lagos.

He stated that the punished officers had breached rules and regulations and were disciplined in accordance with the Lagos State Public Service Rules.

The LASTMA boss gave the assurance that due process was followed in sanctioning them.

“The sanctions have been determined, and they ranged from dismissal and demotion to giving of warning letters,” he said.

Mr Bakare-Oki added that LASTMA has captured over 54,000 vehicles through the use of technology, specifically Traffic Management Solutions (TMS).

“Over 1,000 vehicles were removed from the road, and over 700 road traffic crashes occurred.

“The usage of technology for enforcement is part of the initiative I brought in when I became the general manager, and this has helped the authority tremendously,” he said.

He said that to ensure optimal service delivery, the authority prioritised training and reorientation of its officers. He said the training started in earnest in January.

“Training has been given on emotional intelligence, enforcement without aggression, mental health, and prioritising healthcare.

“Training was also given on advanced traffic management because that is where the agency is tilting towards,” he said.

The general manager also said the authority had embarked on monthly traffic enlightenment and introduced the Female Elite Corps and LASTMA Mayor, to sensitise Lagos residents about adherence to traffic rules.

“Traffic management is a shared responsibility, and LASTMA is putting everything on ground to ensure it increases activities.

“Lagos residents should obey traffic rules and regulations,” he urged.

(NAN)