The Lagos State Taskforce has urged Lagosians to desist from patronising motorcycle operators, popularly called ‘Okada’, saying they do not only pose risks to the passengers but also a security risk to all residents.
The agency said Okada has been used as a “quick getaway means by criminal elements.”
According to a statement by the Director, Press and Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said this following simultaneous operations against Okada operatives who have carried on with their operations across various parts of the Lagos metropolis.
The operation, according to the agency’s spokesman, which lasted about six hours was carried out under the instruction and directive of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade.
The agency, he said, took the operation to the Badagry Expressway, Mile 2, Second Rainbow Bus Stop, V-naija Bus Stop, Alabasuru and Berger Bus Stop where recalcitrant okada operators had carried on with their activities illegally.
“Speaking on the incident today, the Chairman of Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed that most of these operators were under the impression that it would be business as usual where the agency would carry out a single operation to discourage them but that is not the case anymore.
“He promised the operators who managed to evade arrest that the long arm of the law would catch up with them in the nearest future if they do not turn over a new leaf,” the statement said.