Lagos Taskforce Denies Gate-Crashing Allegation During Okada Enforcement
The Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed as false and misleading a report alleging that its officials gate-crashed into a private compound during an enforcement operation against commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada, at Agric Farm Estate in the Ojo Local Government Area of the state.
The agency, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, described the report by Objectv as an attempt to misrepresent a legitimate enforcement operation and cast aspersions on the leadership of the Taskforce.
According to the Taskforce, the operation followed a formal petition by Community Development Associations (CDAs) comprising Olugbemi, Habeeb, Aiyedoto and Otubu communities, who raised concerns over the activities of commercial motorcycle operators in the area.
The communities reportedly alleged that some Okada operators used the estate and adjoining communities as a base after operating on highways, while also raising concerns about indiscriminate defecation, environmental pollution, reckless riding and obstruction of inner roads.
The CDAs further alleged that some residents, pedestrians and schoolchildren had sustained injuries as a result of the activities of the motorcycle operators.
The Taskforce said the communities had previously attempted to regulate the activities of the operators, including introducing estate-branded numbered vests to help identify and report erring riders.
However, the communities reportedly claimed that their efforts were met with resistance and, in some instances, attacks involving dangerous weapons.
The agency said the communities petitioned the Lagos State Government through the Taskforce on May 23, 2026, and submitted a reminder on July 30, 2026.
It added that its officials subsequently conducted surveillance and assessment of the situation before carrying out the enforcement operation on August 25, 2026.
The Taskforce maintained that the arrest of suspected illegal commercial motorcycle operators and the impoundment of motorcycles at Agric Farm Estate were part of its ongoing enforcement against Okada operations on highways, bridges and other restricted routes across Lagos.
It therefore rejected the description of the operation as a spontaneous or unauthorised invasion of private premises.
‘Akerele will not be distracted’
The agency also defended its Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, saying he remained focused on the mandate given to him by the relevant authorities.
It said Akerele had consistently supported enforcement efforts aimed at curbing criminal activities, restoring order and protecting residents from activities capable of threatening the state’s security.
The Taskforce added that his participation in enforcement initiatives, including Operation Kó Ṣàyé, was in line with broader security objectives aimed at disrupting criminal activities and preventing criminals from exploiting operational gaps across Lagos.
The agency accused the media platform of repeatedly focusing on its chairman in reports concerning enforcement activities but said it would not be distracted by what it described as personal attacks or sensational reporting.
Enforcement to continue
The Taskforce said enforcement operations would continue despite criticism from individuals and groups affected by them.
It maintained that such actions were necessary where violations of the law posed threats to public safety, environmental sanitation and the security of residents.
The agency urged media organisations and members of the public to verify information before publishing or circulating allegations capable of misleading the public or damaging the reputation of individuals and institutions.
While acknowledging the media’s role in scrutinising government agencies, the Taskforce stressed that such scrutiny should be based on facts, fairness and responsible journalism.
It reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing Lagos State laws and tackling activities it considers capable of undermining public order, safety and security.
