The Lagos State Task Force says it will sustain ongoing dusk-to-dawn operations to checkmate tactics commercial motorcycle operators use to ply restricted routes across the metropolis.

A statement on Friday by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the task force spokesman, said its chairman, Shola Jejeloye, gave the warning while leading a series of week-long operations.

Mr Jejeloye led the operations across strategic locations, where recalcitrant operators resorted to using a different type of inconspicuous motorcycle popularly called “Lady Machine.”

The task force boss said some Okada riders, whose bikes were seized, acquired the new models, which are more portable, to carry out their businesses on highways.

“These bikes are sleek and more evasive, but their antics are no match for us,” he said.

Mr Jejeloye, according to the statement, led his team on a raid to CMS, Ebute Ero, Ijora, Ikeja-Along, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, and Oshodi areas of the state.

He said the exercise was to remind the riders of the government’s stand on their operations, vowing that no stone would be left unturned until Okada operations across restricted routes were stamped out.

“Motorbikes with engine capacity below 200cc are not allowed to operate on the state highways.

“Therefore, all forms of bikes that fall within that range, be it the normal Okada or Lady Machine, will be confiscated and crushed according to the provisions of the law,” he said.

Mr Jejeloye promised to carry out more operations from dusk to dawn until the state government’s vision on transportation was completely attained and sustained.

The chairman promised to arrest riders, and passengers caught violating the laws on highways and restricted routes.

“We arrested six suspects, including riders and passengers, today at CMS, and we will ensure that they face the full wrath of the law they violated,” he said. 

(NAN)