ALLEGED GATE-CRASHING TO ENFORCE OKADA BAN ON HIGHWAYS: A FALLACY FROM THE PIT OF HELL
Lagos Taskforce Describes Objectv Report as Misleading, Economical with the Truth
The attention of the Lagos State Taskforce has once again been drawn to a misleading and malicious report circulating online by Objectv, wherein, as part of its now familiar pattern of unsubstantiated and unverified allegations, it claimed that officials of the Agency and its leadership gate-crashed into a compound/Okada garage during an enforcement operation at Agric Farm Estate, Agric Bus Stop, Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Taskforce categorically states that the claims are false, misleading and devoid of the facts surrounding the operation. The report is clearly an attempt to misrepresent a legitimate enforcement action, incite the public against the Agency and cast aspersions on its leadership.
Rather than dwell on sensational claims, the Taskforce considers it necessary to set the record straight.
The operation at Agric Farm Estate was not arbitrary. It followed a formal petition from the Community Development Associations comprising Olugbemi, Habeeb, Aiyedoto and Otubu CDAs, who drew the attention of the Lagos State Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, to the activities of recalcitrant commercial motorcycle operators popularly known as Okada within their communities.
According to the petition, the operators allegedly use the estate and adjoining communities as a base after operating on the highways throughout the day. The CDAs also raised concerns about indiscriminate defecation around drains and green areas along the Badagry Expressway, environmental pollution, dangerous and reckless motorcycle riding, and the obstruction of inner roads.
The communities further alleged that the activities of some of the operators had resulted in injuries to residents, pedestrians and schoolchildren.
The CDAs stated that several attempts were made to regulate the activities of the operators and bring them into compliance. These efforts included the introduction of estate-branded numbered vests to enable the communities to identify and report erring operators. However, the communities alleged that their interventions were met with resistance and, on some occasions, attacks involving dangerous weapons.
Following these persistent concerns, the CDAs petitioned the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Taskforce on 23 May 2026, with a reminder subsequently submitted on 30 July 2026. The Agency thereafter conducted strategic surveillance and assessment of the situation before the enforcement operation of 25 August 2026.
It is therefore misleading for any platform to portray the operation as a spontaneous or unauthorised invasion of private premises.
The Taskforce also wishes to emphasise that the arrest of suspected illegal commercial motorcycle operators and the impoundment of motorcycles within Agric Farm Estate, Ojo, formed part of enforcement activities against the operation of Okada on highways, bridges and other restricted routes in Lagos State.
The enforcement action was therefore undertaken pursuant to the existing restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations and within the statutory mandate of the Agency.
The Taskforce is particularly concerned by attempts to portray enforcement against illegal and dangerous activities as an attack on innocent residents. The Agency’s responsibility is to protect public safety, maintain order and ensure compliance with the laws of Lagos State.
AKERELE WILL NOT BE DISTRACTED
The Lagos State Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, remains focused on the mandate entrusted to him by the appropriate authorities.
The Chairman has consistently supported enforcement initiatives aimed at preventing criminal activities, restoring order and protecting residents from activities capable of undermining the State’s security architecture.
His participation in enforcement initiatives, including Operation Kó Ṣà yé, aligns with the broader security objectives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to disrupt criminal activities and prevent criminal elements from exploiting operational gaps across Lagos.
The Taskforce therefore rejects any attempt to portray legitimate enforcement activities as personal vendettas or arbitrary actions.
The Agency equally finds it curious that its Chairman continues to feature prominently in Objectv’s reports and commentaries whenever enforcement activities are discussed. However, the Taskforce will not be distracted by personal attacks, sensational reporting or attempts to undermine the credibility of its leadership.
The Nigerian Police Force leadership and the Lagos State Government are fully aware of the responsibilities entrusted to the Agency and its Chairman, and the Taskforce remains committed to discharging those responsibilities professionally.
ENFORCEMENT WILL CONTINUE
The Lagos State Taskforce recognises that enforcement actions may sometimes attract criticism, particularly from individuals or groups affected by them. However, enforcement remains necessary where violations of the law pose threats to public safety, environmental sanitation and the security of residents.
The Agency will therefore continue to act on credible complaints, intelligence and petitions concerning activities that threaten public order or violate the laws of Lagos State.
The Taskforce also advises media platforms and members of the public to verify facts before publishing or disseminating allegations capable of misleading the public or damaging the reputation of individuals and institutions.
While the Agency respects the right of the media to scrutinise government agencies, such scrutiny must be anchored on facts, fairness and responsible journalism.
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.
Gbadeyan Abdulraheem
Director, Public Affairs
Lagos State Taskforce
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