The Lagos state task force has impounded 470 motorcycles, popularly called okada, within a week, as it intensifies efforts to enforce the ban in areas its operations were restricted in the state.

Disclosing this in a statement on Monday, the task force director, press and public affairs, Lagos State, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, stated that the seizure was led by CSP Shola Jejeloye.

According to the statement, the operation, which was in line with the THEMES PLUS agenda of the state government, was aimed at safeguarding motorists and keeping the highways in the state safe.

It read, “In a week-long operation, a total of 470 motorcycles were seized, marking a significant stride in the ongoing endeavour to safeguard motorists and maintain sanity on Lagos Highways.

“The operation, spanning various strategic locations including Berger, Fagba, Dopemu, Iyana Ipaja, 2nd Rainbow, Festac, First Gate, Alakija, Mile 2, Ilasan, Maroko, Lekki, Ikota, and Chevron, resulted in the confiscation of 150, 120, and 250 motorcycles, respectively, from these areas.”

He warned okada operators that there is no room for their operations in restricted parts of state. 

He said the task force boss, while highlighting the risks associated with motorcycle transportation, “urged commuters to prioritise safer alternatives like new blue/red line railway services and millennium bus services to avoid potential bodily harm by okada or prosecution by the state government if caught on a bike.”  

Mr Jejeloye, therefore, admonished other okada operators to either leave the state or adopt other legitimate means to survive while insisting that raids on their operations in restricted areas, highways and bridges will continue.