By Olasunkanmi Akoni
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, has impounded 309 commercial motorcycles operating on restricted routes during a major enforcement exercise along the ECOWAS Road corridor and adjoining areas.
The operation also led to the demolition of illegal structures, including shanties, makeshift shops, kiosks and street trading stalls identified as traffic and environmental nuisances.
Areas covered during the exercise included 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.
Speaking after the exercise at the weekend, Chairman of the Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, described the level of illegal activities and indiscriminate development along the corridor as alarming.
He said the operation was carried out by the Taskforce in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, with support from the Lagos State Police Command.
According to Akerele, the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture by eliminating locations that could serve as hideouts for criminal elements operating under the guise of illegal commercial activities.
He added that the operation also aligns with the state government’s THEMES Plus Agenda and efforts by the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, to address emerging security challenges, including kidnapping and other criminal activities.
“At the conclusion of the operation, 309 commercial motorcycles were impounded,” Akerele said.
He added that enforcement officers also dismantled illegal kiosks, makeshift stalls, unapproved wooden structures, abandoned household items, indiscriminately displayed building materials and other obstructions along the highways.
According to him, the exercise was aimed at restoring order, improving traffic flow and ensuring environmental compliance in the affected areas.
Akerele said all impounded motorcycles would be processed for forfeiture to the Lagos State Government through the courts in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations across the state until full compliance with existing laws is achieved.
The Taskforce chairman also noted that illegal ticketing, street trading and the activities of recalcitrant commercial motorcycle operators had contributed to criminality, traffic congestion and environmental degradation.
“We will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour to guarantee a safer, cleaner and more orderly Lagos for all residents,” he said.
