Over 124 Okada impounded between Dec 31 and Jan 4, 2026 — Lagos taskforce boss

…Expresses concern over uniformed personnel operating motorcycles on restricted routes

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Men of the Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences have impounded a total of 124 motorcycles, popularly known as okada, between December 31, 2025, and January 4, 2026.

Chairman of the Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this while issuing a stern warning to uniformed personnel engaging in commercial motorcycle operations on prohibited routes, stressing that law enforcement officers must not be seen as lawbreakers.

Akerele gave the warning while addressing a group of uniformed personnel who visited his office to appeal for the release of their motorcycles seized during enforcement operations.

He urged them to strictly comply with existing state traffic and environmental laws or face prosecution.

According to him, “All confiscated motorcycles will be forfeited to the Lagos State Government through the courts in accordance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.”

Commenting on the involvement of uniformed personnel in the violations, Akerele said, “I am not wicked, but I am also not weak, and I do not want to be perceived as a weak leader.”

He noted that it reflects poorly on security agencies when personnel expected to enforce the law are found violating it.

“As security operatives, we understand the need for you to get to your duty posts on time. However, whatever means you adopt to get there must fall within the ambit of the law.

“If you are properly dressed in your official uniform and not carrying passengers, your colleagues may exercise discretion to avoid arrest,” Akerele stated.

He urged security personnel to adhere to professional standards and desist from illegal activities capable of bringing their respective commands into disrepute.

“It is embarrassing to the state and the nation to see military, paramilitary and police personnel using uniforms worn by distinguished veterans as immunity to evade arrest by operating commercial motorcycles, especially when they are expected to be combating criminal activities within their jurisdictions,” he said.

Meanwhile, the taskforce has continued its clean-up enforcement operations across the state.

Akerele said areas covered during the latest exercise include Ikoyi, Abraham Adesanya Junction, Ogombo, Coastal Road, Ajah, Falomo and Marina, where recalcitrant okada operators were found causing obstructions and constituting a nuisance on highways and newly constructed coastal roads.

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