LASTMA Rescues 1,075 Crash Victims, Impounds Over 17,000 Vehicles In 2025

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says its officers rescued at least 1,075 injured road users during emergency responses across Lagos in 2025, pointing to improved incident response and enforcement on major traffic corridors.

According to the agency, the rescues followed rapid-response deployments, inter-agency coordination and the positioning of officers at high-risk locations, enabling timely medical assistance and quicker clearance of crash scenes.

Enforcement records show that 17,169 vehicles were impounded for traffic violations during the year. Of this number, 5,581 were private vehicles and 10,825 were commercial vehicles, cited for offences including reckless driving, overloading, obstruction, mechanical defects and disregard for traffic rules. LASTMA also arrested 760 vehicles for driving against traffic.

The agency said one-way violations remain a major cause of severe crashes and fatalities, adding that arrests for the offence reflect a tougher stance against behaviours that endanger other road users.

LASTMA’s General Manager said the figures underline a shift toward proactive traffic management, combining technology, intelligence-led enforcement and public education to improve compliance. He added that officers often operate in risky conditions to rescue victims, secure accident scenes and work with emergency services to prevent secondary incidents.

The authority attributed many crashes to excessive speed, vehicle failure, fatigue, impaired driving and hazardous manoeuvres, including driving against traffic. It said vehicle impoundment is intended to deter violations and remove unsafe vehicles from circulation.

While noting gains made, LASTMA said enforcement alone is insufficient and called for cooperation from motorists, transport unions, fleet operators and the public.

The agency said it will continue advocacy and sensitisation campaigns alongside enforcement.

Operational reviews, LASTMA added, show that faster rescue interventions helped reduce injury severity, prevent deaths and restore traffic flow more quickly after crashes.

The agency pledged to sustain enforcement, expand public education and adopt new strategies to address emerging transport challenges, urging motorists to obey speed limits, maintain roadworthy vehicles and follow lawful traffic directives.