JUNE 1 OKADA BAN SACROSANCT: LAGOS POLICE, ARMY, LNSA, AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES GO ON SHOW OF FORCE AND SENSITIZATION
With less than 24 hours until the ban on okada operations in Lagos takes effect, a joint enforcement team of security agencies including the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Agency (LNSA), the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), the Lagos State Task Force, DSS, and others have launched a show of force.
While demonstrating their security prowess, they also raised awareness and sensitization about the government’s decision and the importance of populace compliance.
According to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP, they also distributed flyers and stopped at major intersections in all six LGAs and their LCDAs to speak with men and women gathered.
Ikeja, Surulere, Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Apapa are the six LGAs affected. Their LCDAs are also included. This measure was enacted in response to the February 2020 restriction on commercial motorcycle operations.
“The message we are passing to members of the public, particularly criminally minded people, is that there is synergy among all security agencies and we are battle ready to fight every form of crime and criminality in every part of this command,” said the leader of the joint enforcement team, DCP in charge of Operations in Lagos Police Command, DCP Ahmed Kontagora.
“This is a warning to those who are unwilling to follow the government’s rules.” We are prepared, and we will see that this ban is strictly enforced. This ban has been implemented in other states, and there is no reason why it cannot be implemented in Lagos. We are prepared to make it a success. “Lawcourts are available for anyone who violates the law, and those arrested will face appropriate charges.”
“Law-abiding Lagosians should be reassured that security in this command is guaranteed.” We are prepared to protect both people and property.
The men and officers tasked with enforcing the ban, led by CSP Shola Jejeloye and the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), CSP Saheed Egbeyemi, were seen in high spirits, demonstrating their readiness to crush any opposition to constituted authority.SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Command, previously stated that there is no turning back because the ban is total. “If there is any opposition while we enforce the ban, that opposition will be completely destroyed.” The enforcement will be strict, “according to NAOSNP.
Also speaking to reporters, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Douglas Eweka Okoro, stated that there is no going back on Governor Sanwo-Olu’s directives to enforce a total ban on okada operations beginning with the six local government areas mentioned above. As we speak, our men are already patrolling the town in preparation for the operation beginning June 1.
