The Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences has intensified its enforcement campaign against illegal commercial motorcycle operations, impounding 124 motorcycles (okada) during a series of operations conducted between December 31, 2025, and January 4, 2026.
The Chairman of the Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this development while addressing concerns over the growing involvement of uniformed security operatives in traffic violations, particularly the use of motorcycles on routes where such operations are prohibited.
Akerele issued the warning on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, when a delegation of uniformed personnel visited his office to appeal for the release of motorcycles seized during recent enforcement exercises. He stressed that no individual or institution is exempt from compliance with Lagos State traffic and environmental laws, regardless of official status or operational urgency.
According to the Taskforce chairman, all motorcycles confiscated during the exercise will only be disposed of through legally approved channels. He explained that the process is guided strictly by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, which provides that seized motorcycles are liable to forfeiture to the state government upon the order of a competent court.
“All impounded motorcycles will be forfeited to the Lagos State Government in line with the provisions of the law. Enforcement actions are not arbitrary; they are backed by due legal process,” Akerele stated.
He expressed concern over reports of military, paramilitary, and police personnel flouting traffic regulations or engaging in illegal commercial motorcycle operations while in uniform, warning that such conduct erodes public confidence in security institutions.
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“I am neither wicked nor weak, and this Taskforce will not be perceived as lenient in enforcing the law. Law enforcement officers are expected to uphold the law, not undermine it,” he said.
While acknowledging the demanding nature of security duties, Akerele maintained that operational pressure does not justify unlawful conduct. He noted that discretion may only be considered where officers are properly dressed in uniform, not conveying passengers, and not operating on restricted routes.
“We understand the urgency of reporting to duty, but transportation choices must remain lawful. Uniforms must not be used as cover for illegal activities,” he added.
The Taskforce chairman urged all security operatives to conduct themselves professionally and avoid actions capable of bringing their respective agencies into disrepute, describing the misuse of official uniforms for commercial motorcycle activities as unacceptable.
Meanwhile, the Taskforce confirmed that enforcement operations are ongoing across the state as part of efforts to improve traffic flow, public safety, and environmental compliance. Akerele disclosed that recent operations covered key locations including Ikoyi, Abraham Adesanya Junction, Ogombo, Coastal Road, Ajah, Falomo, and Marina.
Several defiant motorcycle operators were apprehended in these areas for violating traffic regulations, obstructing free flow of vehicles, and endangering road users, particularly along major highways and newly constructed coastal corridors where motorcycle operations are prohibited under existing Lagos State laws.
The Lagos State Government has, over the years, maintained restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations on major roads and highways as part of broader traffic management and safety reforms, with enforcement agencies mandated to ensure strict compliance.
