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 axes of Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

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

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

Babaseyi said 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 during the operation, many planks, shanties, wares obstructing the highway were demolished and six trucks removed from the road.

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

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

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.