Lagos Taskforce Clarifies Okada Enforcement Procedures, Reaffirms Commitment to Safety, Rule of Law
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Taskforce has clarified its operational procedures regarding the enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as okada, while dismissing allegations of misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Agency expressed concern over what it described as misleading and unsubstantiated claims made by a social media commentator, Sheriffdeen Omo Eko, accusing the Taskforce of extortion, illegal sale of seized motorcycles, use of unauthorized personnel, excessive force, and compromised leadership integrity.
The Taskforce stressed that while it respects citizens’ right to express concerns, it is necessary to set the record straight in the interest of public safety and accurate information.
According to the Agency, commercial motorcycles are apprehended strictly through due process and only after being arraigned before the Mobile Court for violating provisions of the Lagos State Road Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, particularly for operating on routes prohibited by the state government. It explained that all enforcement actions are judicially backed and not arbitrary.
The statement further clarified that seized motorcycles are transferred to the Ministry of Transportation and subsequently crushed at a government-approved junkyard in Alausa.
The Taskforce categorically denied claims that confiscated motorcycles are sold back to operators or diverted for personal gain, noting that this strict policy has contributed to a noticeable reduction in illegal okada operations across Lagos State.
It added that while seized motorcycles are crushed, impounded vehicles are auctioned only through court-approved and transparent government processes.
Addressing claims of the use of touts, the Taskforce stated that it does not engage civilian operatives. However, it noted that trained paramilitary officers attached to the Agency may operate in plain clothes during intelligence-led sting operations, a practice it described as standard in law enforcement globally.
The Agency also highlighted the risks associated with arresting illegal okada operators, citing aggressive resistance, evasive tactics, and threats to public safety. It said enforcement operations are therefore conducted with tact, skill, and intelligence, with the safety of passengers, officers, and other road users as a priority.
The Taskforce disclosed that intelligence reports have shown that a significant number of illegal commercial motorcycle operators apprehended in restricted areas are non-Nigerians lacking proper documentation. It added that criminal elements often exploit the okada business to evade scrutiny, infiltrate communities, and engage in unlawful activities, making the issue a broader public safety and security concern beyond traffic regulation.
On leadership integrity, the Agency reaffirmed confidence in its Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, describing him as a disciplined and highly respected officer with a proven record of professional service. It described allegations of personal enrichment or complicity in illegal activities as reckless and unsupported by facts.
The statement also addressed the use of tear gas during enforcement operations, explaining that it is a globally accepted crowd-control measure deployed only when unavoidable by trained and authorized personnel, in line with strict operational guidelines.
The Lagos State Taskforce urged members of the public to verify information through official channels before sharing unverified claims on social media, warning that misinformation undermines public trust and distracts from efforts to maintain law and order.
It reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe, orderly, and secure environment for residents, stating that the enforcement of okada restrictions remains a key component of the state’s broader public safety strategy.
