The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, has warned uniformed personnel against operating commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, on highways and other restricted routes across the state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs of the Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, following ongoing enforcement operations aimed at enforcing the state’s ban on Okada activities on prohibited roads.
Akerele issued the warning while addressing a group of uniformed personnel who visited his office to appeal for the release of motorcycles impounded during recent enforcement exercises. He stressed that security operatives must not be seen flouting the same laws they are expected to enforce.
According to him, failure by law enforcement officers to obey traffic and environmental regulations reflects poorly on their agencies and undermines public confidence.
“I am not wicked, but I am also not weak, and I do not want to be perceived as a weak leader,” the Taskforce chairman was quoted as saying.
Akerele acknowledged the challenges faced by security personnel in reporting early to duty posts but insisted that such challenges do not justify violating state laws. He explained that officers properly dressed in uniform and not engaged in commercial motorcycle operations may benefit from professional discretion by enforcement officers.
He, however, cautioned against the use of official uniforms as a shield for engaging in illegal activities, describing the practice as embarrassing to the state and the nation.
“It is unacceptable to see military, paramilitary and police personnel using uniforms worn by distinguished veterans as immunity to evade arrest while operating commercial motorcycles,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Taskforce has continued its clean-up enforcement operations across the state. Areas covered during the latest exercise include Ikoyi, Abraham Adesanya Junction, Ogombo, Coastal Road, Ajah, Falomo and Marina.
The agency said recalcitrant Okada operators were found obstructing traffic and constituting public nuisance on highways and newly constructed coastal roads.
A total of 124 motorcycles were confiscated between Saturday, January 31, 2026, and the time of filing this report.
The Taskforce added that all seized motorcycles would be forfeited to the Lagos State Government through the courts, in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
