Lagos task forces seizes 64 commercial motorcycles

Officials of the Lagos State Task Force have impounded 64 commercial motorcycles during an enforcement operation across parts of the Lagos Mainland.

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Bolanle Ogunlola.

According to the statement, the operation, which took place on Monday, also targeted street trading, illegal park operations, and other unlawful activities along major highways and inner routes.

The exercise, which began around 11 a.m., covered several key locations, including the Ebute Metta axis, Gbagada–Oshodi Expressway, Oshodi–Apapa Expressway, Lagos–Badagry Expressway, and Surulere Local Government Area, as well as adjoining restricted routes.

Ogunlola said the enforcement teams combed major roads such as Apapa Road, Murtala Mohammed Way, Herbert Macaulay Road, Western Avenue, Iganmu Roundabout, and Eric Moore Road. Other areas covered included Bode Thomas Road, Babs Animashaun Street, Ogunlana Drive, Itire Link Bridge, Muyiwa Opaleye Street, Odo-Olowu, Gbagada–Anthony Expressway, Ikorodu Road, 2nd Rainbow, and Alakija.

The task force impounded a total of 64 commercial motorcycles (okadas) found operating illegally on restricted routes and highways, restoring order and ensuring free vehicular movement in the affected areas,” the statement read.

Ogunlola reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly environment in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, which prohibits commercial motorcycles from operating on designated highways and major routes.

Lagos has an existing ban on commercial motorcycles in several parts of the state, initially implemented in six local government areas and nine local council development areas.

The restriction has since been expanded, with the government citing security concerns — including the use of motorcycles in criminal activities — and the need to enhance road safety as reasons for the policy.

culled from punch