Lagos Taskforce Denies Alleged Gate-Crashing During Okada Enforcement in Ojo

 

The Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed allegations that its officials and leadership forcefully entered a private compound during an enforcement operation against commercial motorcycle operators in Agric Farm Estate, Ojo, describing the report as false, misleading and economical with the truth.

The Agency was reacting to a report published by Objectv, which alleged that Taskforce officials gate-crashed into a compound and an Okada garage during an enforcement operation at Agric Farm Estate, near Agric Bus Stop, in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.

In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Taskforce said the operation was neither arbitrary nor an unauthorised invasion of private premises.

According to the Agency, the enforcement operation followed a formal petition submitted by Community Development Associations (CDAs) comprising Olugbemi, Habeeb, Aiyedoto and Otubu communities.

The communities, the Taskforce said, had drawn the attention of the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, to the activities of some commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, within Agric Farm Estate and adjoining communities.

The petitioners allegedly complained that some of the operators used the estate as a base after operating on highways during the day.

They also raised concerns over alleged indiscriminate defecation around drainage channels and green areas along the Badagry Expressway, environmental pollution, reckless motorcycle riding and obstruction of inner roads.

According to the statement, the communities further alleged that the activities of some commercial motorcycle operators had resulted in injuries to residents, pedestrians and schoolchildren.

The Taskforce said the CDAs had made several efforts to regulate the activities of the operators, including the introduction of estate-branded and numbered vests to enable residents to identify and report erring riders.

However, the communities allegedly claimed that such interventions were resisted by some operators, with reports of attacks involving dangerous weapons.

The Agency said the CDAs formally petitioned the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Taskforce on May 23, 2026, while a reminder was subsequently submitted on July 30, 2026.

Following the complaints, the Taskforce said it conducted strategic surveillance and an assessment of the situation before carrying out the enforcement operation on August 25, 2026.

“It is therefore misleading for any platform to portray the operation as a spontaneous or unauthorised invasion of private premises,” the Agency stated.

The Taskforce explained that the arrest of suspected illegal commercial motorcycle operators and the impoundment of motorcycles within Agric Farm Estate formed part of ongoing enforcement activities against the operation of Okada on highways, bridges and other restricted routes across Lagos State.

It maintained that the enforcement action was carried out in line with existing restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations and within the statutory mandate of the Agency.

The Taskforce also rejected attempts to portray the operation as an attack on innocent residents, insisting that its responsibility includes protecting public safety, maintaining order and ensuring compliance with the laws of Lagos State.

Meanwhile, the Agency said its Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, would not be distracted by what it described as personal attacks and sensational reports.

The Taskforce noted that Akerele remained committed to the mandate entrusted to him and continued to support enforcement initiatives aimed at preventing criminal activities, restoring order and protecting residents.

According to the statement, the Chairman's involvement in enforcement operations, including Operation Kó Ṣàyé, aligns with broader security efforts aimed at tackling criminal activities and preventing criminal elements from exploiting operational gaps across Lagos.

The Agency said it was concerned about what it described as repeated attempts to portray legitimate enforcement activities as personal vendettas or arbitrary actions.

It added that while it recognised the right of the media to scrutinise government agencies, such scrutiny should be based on facts, fairness and responsible journalism.

The Taskforce, therefore, advised media organisations and members of the public to verify information before publishing or circulating allegations capable of misleading the public or damaging the reputation of individuals and institutions.

It reaffirmed its commitment to acting on credible complaints, intelligence and petitions concerning activities that threaten public safety, environmental sanitation and public order.

“The Lagos State Taskforce remains resolute in the discharge of its statutory mandate and will continue to enforce compliance with the law and rid the State of criminal elements and activities capable of undermining the peace, safety and security of Lagosians,” the statement added.