The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, has arrested eight suspected commercial motorcycle operators for allegedly attacking security operatives during an enforcement exercise at Apongbon, Marina, Lagos.
The suspects were reportedly arrested after a violent confrontation with security personnel who were carrying out enforcement against Okada operators using restricted routes in the area.
The Taskforce said the suspects allegedly attacked the operatives with broken bottles, machetes, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons while attempting to prevent the seizure of motorcycles and free some impounded bikes.
The arrested suspects were identified as Buba Umar, 40; Musa Usman, 30; Gambo Dauda, 32; Shagari Bulba, 42; Auwalu Mohammed, 30; Idris Hassan, 25; Wale Yusuf, 43; Ohnosi Osaseti; and Sagiru Asiru.
The agency said other individuals allegedly involved in the confrontation escaped and would be tracked down.
The Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the arrests followed complaints from residents and repeated reports of attacks on security personnel after enforcement operations targeting Okada riders on prohibited routes.
Akerele said the agency had been monitoring the activities of the suspected operators, particularly in areas where illegal motorcycle operations had become a recurring challenge.
He said, “I received complaints from residents and senior citizens alleging that Okada operators forming an expre-de-corps, if allowed unchecked, could pose a serious threat to residents, pedestrians, and schoolchildren. I immediately put strategies in place to track them down.”
During interrogation, one of the suspects, Wale Yusuf, also known as Babaalawo, allegedly disclosed that the group had planned to resist future enforcement operations against Okada riders.
The Taskforce also said some of the suspects admitted that their motorcycles had previously been impounded while operating on restricted highways but continued the practice because of the profitability of the business.
Akerele warned that the agency would continue to enforce the state's restrictions on Okada operations, stressing that those who attack security personnel or obstruct lawful enforcement would face prosecution.
He urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the Taskforce's official channels, assuring residents that the agency would continue efforts to keep Lagos roads and highways safe.
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