The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, has impounded 309 commercial motorcycles operating illegally along the ECOWAS Road corridor as part of a major enforcement operation aimed at improving security, traffic management and environmental sanitation.
The exercise, coordinated by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources with support from the Lagos State Police Command, also targeted street trading, illegal structures and other environmental violations across the Alaba Rago axis and adjoining communities.
According to the Taskforce, the operation aligns with the Lagos State Government’s enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles on highways and restricted routes while supporting the state’s THEMES Plus Agenda and ongoing security efforts to curb crimes such as kidnapping and banditry.
The enforcement covered several 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.
Beyond impounding the motorcycles, officials dismantled illegal kiosks, makeshift stalls, shanties, unapproved plank structures and removed abandoned household items, indiscriminately displayed building materials and domestic animals obstructing public spaces. The agency said the operation restored order, improved traffic flow and enhanced environmental compliance in the affected areas.
The Taskforce disclosed that all 309 impounded motorcycles would be processed for forfeiture to the Lagos State Government through the courts in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
Speaking after the operation, Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, described the level of lawlessness and indiscriminate development along the corridor as disturbing.
He said illegal ticketing, street trading and the activities of recalcitrant commercial motorcycle operators had created conditions that encourage criminality, traffic congestion and environmental degradation.
“No stone will be left unturned in our determination to restore sanity. It is high time criminal elements operating in Lagos State either 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.
The Taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining similar enforcement operations across Lagos until full compliance with existing laws is achieved.
