Lagos Taskforce Chairman, CSP Akerele Issues Stern Warning to Uniformed Personnel on illegal Okada Operations
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Chairman, Lagos Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele
“All confiscated motorcycles will be forfeited to the State Government through the courts”
“As security operatives, we understand the need to reach duty posts on time. However, the means you adopt must fall within the ambit of the law.”
The Lagos State Taskforce has intensified its clean-up operations targeting commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, on highways and other restricted routes. In line with this effort, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, has issued a strong warning to uniformed personnel engaging in illegal motorcycle operations.
Addressing uniformed officers who visited his office seeking the release of impounded motorcycles, CSP Akerele stressed the importance of law enforcement personnel adhering to traffic and environmental laws.
“I am not wicked, but I am also not weak, and I do not want to be perceived as a weak leader,” CSP Akerele said.
He further emphasized the reputational impact on security agencies when personnel violate the law.
“As security operatives, we understand the need to reach duty posts on time. However, the means you adopt must fall within the ambit of the law. If you are properly dressed in your official uniform and not carrying passengers, your colleagues may exercise discretion to avoid arrest,” he explained.
CSP Akerele urged officers to uphold professional standards and refrain from actions that could bring their commands into disrepute.
“It is embarrassing to the State and the nation to see military, paramilitary, and police personnel using uniforms worn by distinguished veterans as immunity to evade arrest by operating commercial motorcycles, especially when they are expected to be combating criminal activities within their jurisdictions,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Taskforce has continued enforcement across several areas, including Ikoyi, Abraham Adesanya Junction, Ogombo, Coastal Road, Ajah, Falomo, and Marina, where Okada operators were found causing traffic disturbances. Between Saturday, 31st January 2026, and the latest exercise, 124 motorcycles were confiscated, restoring order in affected areas.
All confiscated motorcycles will be forfeited to the State Government through the courts, in accordance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
