The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) has arrested 309 commercial motorcycle operators during a major enforcement exercise along the ECOWAS Road corridor.

The operation, carried out in line with the Lagos State Government’s directive enforcing the ban on commercial motorcycles on highways and other restricted routes, also cleared the corridor of traffic obstructions, street traders, shanties, makeshift shops, kiosks and other environmental nuisances.

The enforcement exercise was conducted by the Lagos State Task Force and coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources with the support of the Lagos State Police Command.

It formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture.

According to the agency, the operation was also aimed at denying criminal elements the opportunity to operate under the guise of illegal commercial activities while supporting the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda and the efforts of the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, to combat kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality.

The operation covered strategic locations along the ECOWAS Road, including Orile-Iganmu Bus Stop, Suuru-Alaba Bus Stop, Mile 2 Underbridge, Mazamaza Bus Stop, Festac First Gate, Iyana-Ira, Abule-Ado, Alakija Bus Stop, Iyana-Iba, Alaba Rago, Old Ojo Road and Okoko Bus Stop, among others.

At the end of the exercise, enforcement officers dismantled and removed illegal kiosks, makeshift stalls, abandoned household items, domestic animals obstructing public spaces, unapproved plank structures, indiscriminately displayed building materials and other highway obstructions, thereby restoring order, improving traffic flow and enhancing environmental compliance.

The Task Force reiterated that all impounded motorcycles would be processed for forfeiture to the Lagos State Government through the courts in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining enforcement operations across the state until full compliance with extant laws is achieved.

Speaking after the exercise, the Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, described the level of lawlessness and indiscriminate development along the corridor as alarming.

He said illegal ticketing, street trading and the activities of recalcitrant commercial motorcycle operators had created an environment that encouraged criminality, traffic congestion and environmental degradation, leaving innocent Lagos residents to bear the consequences.

“No stone will be left unturned in our determination to restore sanity. It is high time criminal elements operating in Lagos State either desist from these unlawful activities or relocate. We will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour to guarantee a safer, cleaner and more orderly Lagos for everyone,” Akerele said.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has launched a crackdown on individuals allegedly impersonating the organisation following the arrest of a suspect accused of forging its official documents and falsely presenting himself as a member.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, the State Chairman of the PCRC, Dr Voke Emore, said the arrest was made in collaboration with the Nigeria Police after investigations uncovered the alleged use of forged PCRC documents.

Emore disclosed that the committee had also uncovered cases involving suspected fraudsters producing fake letters, official stamps and letterheads bearing the PCRC’s identity to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

He expressed concern over what he described as the growing misuse of the committee’s identity, particularly by vehicle owners who are not registered members but display PCRC stickers and official insignia on their vehicles to create a false impression of affiliation.

According to him, such actions amount to impersonation and are punishable under the law.

“I want to use this opportunity to warn that people should desist from such acts or face the full wrath of the law.

“The task force established by the Rivers State PCRC has commenced operations to identify and arrest perpetrators.

“I know many people are eager to join the Rivers State PCRC because of the enviable reputation the organisation has attained and its achievements so far. However, I urge them to follow the proper channels of registration so they do not fall victim to fraudsters,” Emore said.

The PCRC chairman advised individuals interested in becoming members of the organisation to register only through approved channels to avoid falling victim to fraudsters posing as its representatives.

He also urged members of the public seeking assistance, making enquiries or reporting concerns to use only the committee’s official communication platforms.

Emore reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to promoting community policing through service, partnership and humanity, while warning that efforts to curb impersonation and related fraudulent activities would be sustained.