The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, has apprehended 309 commercial motorcycles operating illegally along the ECOWAS Road corridor as part of an enforcement exercise aimed at restoring order and improving public safety across the state.
In a statement issued by Gbade Abdulraheem, Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, the agency said the operation was conducted in line with the Lagos State Government’s directive enforcing the ban on commercial motorcycles on highways and other restricted routes.
The exercise also targeted traffic obstructions, street trading, illegal shanties, makeshift shops, kiosks and other environmental infractions that had become prevalent along the corridor.
According to the statement, the enforcement operation was planned by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and carried out by the Lagos State Taskforce with the support of the Lagos State Police Command.
The agency explained that the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture by preventing criminal elements from operating under the guise of illegal commercial activities. It added that the operation aligns with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda and complements the security initiatives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, aimed at addressing kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality.
The operation covered several strategic 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.
At the end of the exercise, the Taskforce impounded 309 commercial motorcycles. Enforcement officers also dismantled illegal kiosks and makeshift stalls, removed abandoned household items, domestic animals obstructing public spaces, unapproved wooden structures, indiscriminately displayed building materials and other highway obstructions.
The agency said the exercise restored order, improved traffic flow and enhanced environmental compliance in the affected areas.
The statement further noted that all impounded motorcycles would be processed for forfeiture to the Lagos State Government through the courts in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
It reiterated the Taskforce’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations across the state until full compliance with extant laws is achieved.
Speaking after the exercise, the Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, described the level of lawlessness and indiscriminate development along the ECOWAS Road corridor as disturbing.
He said illegal ticketing, street trading and the activities of recalcitrant commercial motorcycle operators had created conditions that encourage criminality, worsen traffic congestion and degrade the environment.
Akerele warned that the agency would intensify its enforcement efforts to restore order across the state.
“No stone will be left unturned in our determination to restore sanity. It is time for criminal elements operating in Lagos State to either desist from these unlawful activities or relocate. We will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour to guarantee a safer, cleaner and more orderly Lagos for everyone,” he said. #Securitynewsalert.com
