The operation was conducted with the highest degree of civility and professionalism. A total number of 79 commercial motorcycles were impounded
OKADA BAN: An operation was carried out by the Lagos State Task Force yesterday, during which they raided Second Rainbow and other places on the Oshodi-Apapa expressway in Lagos.
As a result, they seized 79 commercial motorcycles, which are commonly referred to as Okada. Eighty-two commercial motorcycles were seized during an operation that was quite similar to the one that took place on the same axis the previous week on Tuesday.
At eleven in the morning, the operation that was intended to enforce the ban that the state government had placed on any commercial motorcycle operators in the region got underway.
Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hudenyin , said “the agency embarked on its daily routine enforcement at Berger Suya , Kirikiri road, 2nd Rainbow bridge, Apple junction inward Festac.
“The operation was itch free except in Berger Suya, where there was pocket of resistance but was matched with minimal force and tactical superiority of our men. In other areas visited, the operation was conducted with the highest degree of civility and professionalism. A total number of 79 commercial motorcycles were impounded.”
However, in a blatant display of defiance, some commercial motorcyclists who had evaded the operation immediately returned to work shortly after the agents left. They resumed their operations near Mile 2, Second Rainbow, and Berger Suya, completely unconcerned by the earlier raid.
The governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced in the year 2020 that some local government areas (LGAs) in the state will be completely prohibited from operating commercial motorbikes, which are more commonly referred to as okadas. To ensure compliance with the prohibition, the government established a team and issued a warning that those who violate the law face a potential sentence of three years in prison.