The Lagos State Taskforce conducted a week-long crackdown, resulting in the impounding of 344 commercial motorcycles (okada) across different areas of the state.
The agency, led by Chairman CSP Shola Jejeloye, is determined to put an end to the operations of defiant bike riders in the state, citing concerns about their activities jeopardizing commuters’ safety along certain highways.
During the raid, the task force seized 174 bikes in the Abule Ado axis, 50 bikes in Lagos Island, 50 bikes in Berger/Grammar School, and 70 bikes in the Abule Egba axis. CSP Shola Jejeloye emphasized the agency’s commitment to ending Okada operations in the state and ensuring enforcement measures align with the goal.
He declared that in 2024, every enforcement action would lead to court proceedings, discouraging individuals from relying on connections or godfatherism to evade consequences.
Jejeloye issued a stern warning to security officials in uniform, urging compliance with state regulations regarding Okada operations. Any uniformed personnel caught conveying passengers on a bike for commercial purposes will face strict consequences.
The chairman emphasized the need for setting positive examples and announced that business would no longer proceed as usual.
Lagosians were urged to refrain from patronizing Okada operators to contribute to safer, hazard-free, and motorable roads. This initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s previous ban on commercial motorcycles on major highways.
The crackdown includes destroying 1500 seized motorcycles in Oshodi in response to the government’s clampdown on Okada operators who had returned to the roads.