The Lagos State Taskforce has impounded a total of 952 motorcycles, popularly known as okada, within a span of two weeks across various locations in the state.

The crackdown, aimed at curbing the operations of errant motorcycle riders, saw 344 motorcycles seized on January 14, followed by an additional 355 on January 23.

The impounded motorcycles were found violating restricted routes.

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The Taskforce, led by Chairman CSP Shola Jejeloye, has vowed to put an end to the activities of defiant bike riders in the state.

Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Public Relations Officer of the agency, disclosed that on Thursday alone, 253 motorcycles were impounded during an operation along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

Jejeloye emphasized that these enforcement actions serve as warnings to okada operators, expressing disappointment that previous cautions had been disregarded.

In an official statement, Jejeloye singled out the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, labeling it as a hotspot for okada operators who flout Lagos State Traffic laws by operating in areas where motorcycle operations have been outrightly banned.

He iterated that the taskforce had visited this location multiple times, and despite leniency, okada operators continued to violate traffic regulations.

“We have been to this particular location about twice because of the sensitivity of the corridor and routes it connects.

However, our leniency has been taken for granted by these okada operators and perpetrators of illegalities in this area who feel we are oblivious to their activities.

We have surprised them today and confiscated all bikes that operate here. I am sure they would have gotten the picture by now,” Jejeloye stated.

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In addition to addressing motorcycle violations, the taskforce issued a stern warning to illegal vendors of petroleum products engaged in selling petrol on the highways.

Jejeloye cautioned that the days of engaging in such illegal activities are numbered, signaling the taskforce’s commitment to maintaining law and order on Lagos roads.