The Lagos State Taskforce has intensified enforcement against recalcitrant commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada, as part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of illegal operations and associated criminal activities.

The agency carried out a second phase of its clean-up enforcement exercise in the early hours of the day, following an earlier operation conducted in the morning, underscoring its resolve to sustain pressure on violators of traffic and security regulations.

The twin operations covered several strategic locations across the state, including Obalende, Falomo Underbridge, Coastal Road, CMS Roundabout on Lagos Island, Second Rainbow, Mile 2 Bridge, Five Star, Ladipo Bus Stop and Cele Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. During the exercise, several commercial motorcycle operators were found plying restricted routes, obstructing traffic flow and constituting a nuisance on major highways and adjoining roads.

At the conclusion of the operations, 134 commercial motorcycles were impounded, and order was restored across the affected areas. The Taskforce said all confiscated motorcycles would be processed and forfeited to the state through the courts in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining enforcement activities until full compliance is achieved.

The spokesperson for the agency, Abduraheem Gbadeyan, said: “Available intelligence and enforcement records have shown that a significant proportion of illegal commercial motorcycle operators apprehended in restricted areas are non-Nigerians, many of whom lack proper documentation.

“Intelligence assessments indicate that criminal elements often exploit the okada business as a cover to evade scrutiny, infiltrate communities and foment disorder. Their interaction with vulnerable youths has, in some cases, contributed to the spread of drug abuse and other unlawful activities.

“This underscores why illegal okada operations are not merely a traffic concern but a broader public safety and security issue that the Lagos State Government cannot ignore.”