Lagos Task Force Impounds 309 Motorcycles, prevent massive traffic gridlock
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, known as the Lagos State Task Force, has impounded 309 commercial motorcycles during a coordinated enforcement operation targeted at commercial motorcycles on restricted routes at the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
The enforcement exercise, which was a collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, supported by the Lagos State Police Command, resulted in illegal structures, street trading and other environmental infractions around the Alaba Rago International Market and other parts of the corridor being removed.
Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the operation was part of the agency’s sustained efforts to restore order, improve public safety and enforce compliance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
The enforcement operations, according to the Chairman, covered several locations along the ECOWAS Road and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, 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.
He assured that all impounded motorcycles would be processed in accordance with the law, warning that enforcement operations would continue across the state until the achievement of total compliance with standing laws.
“We will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour in order to guarantee a safer, cleaner and more orderly Lagos for everyone,” He said.
In a separate operation by the agency, an illegal street party held on Lawani Street, off University Road, Yaba, was dispersed after organisers converted the road into a venue for a social event.The gathering obstructed the median which was an alternate route being used by motorists following ongoing road reconstruction in the area, resulting in traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters and other road users.
Enforcement officers were deployed by the Chairman immediately, which led to the seizure of canopies, chairs, tables and others elements of disruption and restoring free movement.
Akerele described the action as unlawful, adding that designated event centres should be utilized for such or proper permit obtained for general area usage.
“Public roads are constructed for the benefit of all Lagosians and must not be converted into private event spaces. Anyone found obstructing traffic or blocking public roads for social activities will face the full weight of the law. We will not tolerate actions that disrupt public order or frustrate the daily livelihood of residents,” He stated.
He went further to warn residents against using roads for social gatherings, adding that anyone found violating the law would be sanctioned in accordance with existing regulations.
The Chairman appealed to residents to remain cautious and continue to support the agency by reporting activities capable of endangering public safety, obstructing road networks or degrading the environment to 09137555111 & 09138555111 or via the social media handles.
He reassured residents of the agency’s commitment to maintaining order and ensuring that public infrastructure is not abused, and urged them to cooperate with law enforcement officers in promoting a safe, orderly and traffic-free environment.
