Lagos task force seizes 668 motorcycles in one week

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) said it has impounded 668 commercial motorcycles, popularly known as ‘Okada’ in one week.
Chairman of the unit, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this in a statement by the unit’s spokesperson, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, on Sunday in Lagos.
He said the task force carried out a routine week-long enforcement exercise, aimed at ensuring compliance with restrictions on Okada operations across the state.
Mr Akerele explained that the seizures were part of efforts to rid Lagos of recalcitrant motorcyclists who continue to defy the ban on restricted routes and highways.
The operation, which began on Monday, covered Ishaga, Balogun Bus Stop in Iju-Ishaga Road, Ijegun Roundabout, Iyana-Iba, Iyana-Ishasi, Igbo-Elerin, and Iyana-School.
Other locations included Volkswagen Bus Stop on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Kola Bus Stop on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, and adjoining restricted routes around the areas.
Mr Akerele stated, “These areas were flagged after complaints and distress calls about persistent Okada use by hoodlums, pickpockets, and suspected criminals, especially during late-night robberies.’’
He noted that this disturbing trend represented a new crime wave that demanded urgent and holistic action to safeguard residents.
According to him, there was resistance at some points, including a mob attack at Kola Bus Stop, where hoodlums and Okada riders attempted to obstruct officials.
He said, “They were, however, dispersed with minimal force, and no injuries were recorded. Seven suspects were arrested, and order was restored to all locations.’’
The chairman warned stubborn Okada operators to stay away from highways and restricted routes and to comply with traffic laws and safety regulations in Lagos.
He stated, “Recalcitrant violators must desist or face the full weight of the law. The agency remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.’’
He said the exercise formed part of a wider clean-up strategy designed to eliminate criminal activity and protect law-abiding residents and businesses in the state.
Mr Akerele added that confiscated motorcycles would be forfeited through the court and crushed by the government, in line with existing laws.
He stressed that the agency remained resolute in its mission to secure safer highways and guarantee a more secure Lagos for all.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States
Fintiri confident of NSCDC’s capacity to maintain peace, security
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has expressed confidence in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’s capacity to maintain peace and security in Adamawa.

Politics
Tinubu’s 700km legacy highway to boost national unity: FG
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Tinubu’s 700-kilometre legacy highway will connect states.

Education
NUC approves unbundling of UNN mass comm programme
The statement said the approval was conveyed to it in a circular dated June 19, 2026.

Abuja
ACCI urges SMEs to adopt mediation rules for quicker dispute resolution
Hauwa Usman, registrar-general of the Nigerian Chambers of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre, gave the advice on Thursday in Abuja.

Politics
2027 Polls: Court affirms Mark-led leadership of ADC, dismisses Abejide’s suit
The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Thursday affirmed the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

Rights
Kidnapped Oriire Schoolchildren: Tinubu govt applauds suspension of strike by Oyo teachers
”Our children will remain in school, and we will continue to educate them. We will not succumb to terror,” said the education minister.






