No fewer than 15 traders have been arrested by operatives of Ogun State Police Command for allegedly violating environmental regulations along Abekoko and Old Bank axis of Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway.

The traders’ follows illegal display of their wares and makeshift structures along the expressway causing traffic gridlock and environmental infections.

Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi who confirmed this to newsmen in a statement obtained in Abeokuta, yesterday, said that they were nabbed during operation “No Traffic Gridlock” in the state.

Babaseyi said that the purpose of the exercise was to ensure free flow of traffic and maintain public order across the state, stressing that those arrested would be charged to court upon the completion of investigation.

He said that during the operation several planks, shanties, wares obstructing the highway were demolished and six trucks removed from the road.

The arrests were made during the command’s ongoing “Operation No Traffic Gridlock’ in the Abekoko and Old Bank axis along the Abeokuta, Lagos Expressway.

He said, “The exercise targeted traders’ illegal display of goods and makeshift structures, which obstructed traffic and violated environmental laws.

“During the enforcement, several planks, shanties, and wares obstructing the highway were dismantled and evacuated, with over six trucks deployed for removal.

“Fifteen individuals who defied lawful directives and violated environmental regulations were arrested and will be charged to court appropriately upon completion of investigation.”

However, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni lauded the officers for their professionalism and reaffirmed the command’s dedication to upholding traffic and environmental regulations.

He cautioned that any individual blocking roads would face legal consequences, while urging members of the public especially traders and drivers, to follow the rules for safety reasons.