CITIZENS COMPASS —The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce), has intensified its operations along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, resulting in the seizure of 497 motorcycles popularly known as Okada, that were found plying the highway despite being prohibited from doing so.
Spokesman for the Agency, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, February 12, 2024, said the operation was a decisive move to ensure public safety and uphold the laid down traffic rules and regulations on the State’s Highways, Bridges and other restricted routes.
He said the recent operations led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, also covered areas such as Doyin Bus Stop, Alakija, Iyana Iba, Igbo-Elerin, Festac Link Bridge and Igando in order to stamp the commitment of the Lagos State Taskforce to enforce traffic regulations and maintain order and sanity on Lagos Roads.
These efforts are part of a broader initiative to enhance safety for all road users and eliminate the risks associated with okada operations on restricted routes and Lagos highways.
The Chairman described the activities of okada operators especially along Lagos-Badagry Expressway as reckless due to the non challant attitude of the operators on that corridor.
“Okada operators here are the cause of major accidents and a big threat to the security architecture of the State along this route, especially the ones you see facing on coming vehicles directly on one-way. It is complete madness and I recommend anyone caught in the act be subjected to psychiatric evaluation” Jejeloye stated.
Utilizing tactical superiority, the Taskforce achieved a remarkable record of seizures during the operation, signaling a clear message to okada violators that enforcement measures will be rigorously implemented in all nook and crannies of the State.
The Chairman reiterated the importance of compliance with traffic regulations and warned erring riders to desist from their operations along restricted routes immediately. Failure to adhere to these regulations will result in the impoundment of motorcycles and possible jail term, he emphasized.
Going forward, the Lagos State Taskforce affirms its commitment to making these operations a continuous endeavor until all restricted routes and Highways are free from the menace of okada.
The Lagos State Taskforce urges the cooperation of all stakeholders, including riders and members of the public, in achieving this goal and ensuring the safety and orderliness of all.
He assured Lagosians that the tactical superiority of the Agency would surpress any form of maneuvering abilty of okada riders. He reminded them that both rider and passenger are culpable in the event of an arrest while plying on restricted routes.
