Lagos Taskforce Seizes 309 Motorcycles, Clears Alaba Rago Of Illegal Structures
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) has impounded 309 commercial motorcycles during a major enforcement operation along the ECOWAS Road corridor, while also removing illegal structures and environmental nuisances across Alaba Rago and adjoining areas.
The exercise, carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Police Command and coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, was part of the state government’s ongoing enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles on highways and other restricted routes.
According to the Taskforce, the operation targeted several locations, including Orile-Iganmu Bus Stop, Suuru-Alaba Bus Stop, Mile 2 Underbridge, Mazamaza Bus Stop, Festac First Gate, Iyana-Ira, Abule-Ado, Alakija Bus Stop, Iyana-Iba, Alaba Rago, Old Ojo Road and Okoko Bus Stop.
Beyond impounding the motorcycles, enforcement officers dismantled illegal kiosks, makeshift stalls, shanties, unapproved plank structures and removed abandoned household items, domestic animals obstructing public spaces, indiscriminately displayed building materials and other roadside obstructions.
The agency said the operation was aimed at improving traffic flow, restoring environmental order and strengthening public safety by denying criminal elements the opportunity to operate under the cover of illegal commercial activities. It added that the exercise aligns with the Lagos State Government’s security and environmental objectives under the THEMES Plus Agenda.
The Taskforce disclosed that all impounded motorcycles would be processed for forfeiture to the Lagos State Government through the courts in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
Speaking after the operation, Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, described the level of lawlessness along the corridor as alarming, citing illegal ticketing, street trading and the activities of commercial motorcycle operators as contributors to insecurity, traffic congestion and environmental degradation.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to sustained enforcement across the state, warning that those engaged in unlawful activities must either comply with the law or face the consequences.
“No stone will be left unturned in our determination to restore sanity. It is high time criminal elements operating in Lagos State either desist from these unlawful activities or relocate. We will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour in order to guarantee a safer, cleaner and more orderly Lagos for everyone,” Akerele said.
