The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences, Enforcement, Agency, is set for total clamp down on all recalcitrant okada operators on the restricted routes on Lagos Highways.

Its action is to free the state from the okada operators menace and their unruly attitudes threatening the security architecture of the State as encapsulated in the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda.

The action is in reaction to public outcry on okada riders aggressiveness on the Lagos highways, arson, mob attack of innocent citizens that may cause total breach of peace, unrestrained speed, total disregard to traffic rules and regulations.

To this end, the agency will embark on mass raid and confiscation of all Okada found on the highways, restricted routes and prosecute both the rider and passengers who are culprits, with a view to achieving the State’s vision of zero tolerance for Okada operation.

Its Chairman, Chief Superintendent of Police, Shola Jejeloye said this during decoration of newly promoted officers at the conference room of the Agency Headquarters, Safety Arena, Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos.

He disclosed that within this year alone over one thousand six hundred and fifty-four Okada have been impounded at various locations of the State for plying restricted roads and violating the restrictions on major highways.

According to him, the Agency had taken her enforcement for compliance activities to Ogba, Cele-Ijesha Expressway, Jakande Estate Okeafa, Allen Avenue, Oshodi Mile 12, Ojodu Berger, Ketu Alapere, Agric in Ikorodu, Agege areas to mention but a few in the State within the first two weeks of January this year.

Jejeloye said the restricted routes have been published severally to avoid unnecessary excuses of not being aware of the State laws on their restriction by Okada operators, but some of them chose to turn deaf ears, and all efforts put in place by the Enforcement Agency to sensitise, educate and enlighten them on the dangers of plying on the highways proved abortive.

Speaking further, the Chairman said all the restricted routes will be closely monitored to rid the State of Okada riders’ menace which could lead to needless loss of lives and serious security challenges.

He emphasised that this year, the Agency approach to tactical enforcement for compliance activities is a signal to all recalcitrant Okada riders and environmental laws offenders who circumvent Government rules and regulations.

In his words, Lagos is no longer a safe haven for them as both the offenders and culprit shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Jejeloye maintained that the agency will not rest on its oars until all  Okada Operators tow the line of best practices and the State is totally free from their menace.

He further admonished all riders to maintain their lanes or risk arrest and subsequent crushing of their bikes.

Meanwhile, henceforth the agency will no longer tolerate any act of indiscipline from illegal ticketers of okada riders who are constituting nuisance on Lagos roads as the agency will begin to arrest and prosecute them for disrupting the free flow of traffic.

The Chairman noted that the people have shown disregard for the State Environmental laws in the past which the resultant effects are worrisome.

He warned Okada riders and other traffic offenders to desist from plying restricted routes to avoid being caught by the long arm of the law.

He reiterated that the State Taskforce under this dispensation is poised to take the State to greater heights through efficient, effective, prompt and speedy response to any environmental and traffic challenges to promote a liveable, serene environment and accident free society.

This is a task that must be completed and sustained.

This is contained in a statement by

Director, Public Affairs Unit, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem.