Lagos Task Force impounds 309 motorcycles in enforcement raid on Lagos-Badagry highway

The Lagos State Task Force has launched a major enforcement operation, seizing 309 commercial motorcycles and dismantling illegal structures along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as part of efforts to improve traffic flow, restore order and enhance security along the busy transport corridor.

The operation is the latest in a series of enforcement exercises by the Lagos State Government targeting commercial motorcycle operators on restricted routes as authorities intensify efforts to enforce traffic, environmental and public safety regulations.

Carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and with support from the Lagos State Police Command, the operation also targeted illegal structures, street trading and other environmental violations around the Alaba Rago International Market and adjoining communities.

According to the agency’s spokesperson, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, the exercise was designed to strengthen public safety and deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate under the guise of commercial activities.

He said the operation aligns with the state government’s THEMES Plus Agenda and complements ongoing security initiatives by the Lagos State Police Command aimed at combating kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.

Gbadeyan disclosed that enforcement teams covered several locations along the ECOWAS Road and 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 confirmed that a total of 309 commercial motorcycles were seized during the operation for violating the state’s transport regulations.

The enforcement drive also reinforces the government’s implementation of restrictions on commercial motorcycles operating on designated highways and other prohibited routes under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

State authorities have consistently maintained that the policy is intended to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion and curb crimes linked to motorcycle operations on restricted roads.

Beyond the motorcycle crackdown, officials dismantled illegal kiosks, makeshift stalls, shanties and unauthorised wooden structures, while clearing abandoned household items, stray domestic animals, indiscriminately displayed building materials and other obstructions encroaching on public spaces.

The agency said the operation significantly improved traffic movement, reclaimed public spaces and enhanced environmental sanitation along the affected corridor.

Gbadeyan added that all impounded motorcycles would undergo the legal forfeiture process in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, stressing that similar enforcement exercises would continue across the state until full compliance with existing regulations is achieved.

Speaking after the operation, Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, Adetayo Akerele, described the level of disorder and indiscriminate development along the corridor as deeply concerning.

He noted that illegal ticketing, street trading and the activities of commercial motorcycle operators on restricted routes had contributed to traffic congestion, environmental degradation and an atmosphere that encouraged criminal activities.

“No stone will be left unturned in our determination to restore sanity. It is high time criminal elements operating in Lagos State 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.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖