Lagos Task Force Impounds 668 Okadas in One Week

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit has intensified its clampdown on commercial motorcycles, popularly called okada, impounding 668 units within one week.

The Chairman of the task force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday by the unit’s spokesperson, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan.

Akerele said the week-long operation was part of ongoing enforcement to ensure compliance with the state government’s ban on okada operations across restricted routes and highways.

According to him, the motorcycles were seized in multiple locations, including Ishaga, Balogun Bus Stop on Iju-Ishaga Road, Ijegun Roundabout, Iyana-Iba, Iyana-Ishasi, Igbo-Elerin, and Iyana-School. Others were confiscated at Volkswagen Bus Stop on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Kola Bus Stop on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, as well as adjoining restricted routes.

“These areas were flagged after complaints and distress calls about persistent okada use by hoodlums, pickpockets, and suspected criminals, especially during late-night robberies,” Akerele explained.

He stressed that the task force would not relent in its bid to rid Lagos of recalcitrant riders who continue to violate the law, adding that the enforcement exercise will be sustained.