Lagos Task Force arrests eight Okada riders over alleged attack on operatives

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, popularly known as the Task Force, have arrested eight commercial motorcycle operators, known as Okada riders, for allegedly attacking security personnel during an enforcement operation at Apongbon, Marina, Lagos.

The suspects were reportedly arrested after some Okada riders resisted attempts by the enforcement team to impound their motorcycles and allegedly attacked the operatives with broken bottles, machetes, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.
The Task Force said the incident occurred during an operation targeting motorcycles operating on restricted routes in the area.

The agency said some of the suspects had previously had their motorcycles impounded but continued to operate on restricted routes because of the financial benefits.
The Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects had been under surveillance following repeated complaints from residents about alleged attacks on security personnel after enforcement operations.

Akerele said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that the arrests should serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt to obstruct lawful enforcement operations.

He also warned that the Task Force would continue its enforcement against Okada operations on restricted routes across Lagos.

The agency said other suspects who allegedly escaped during the incident were being tracked.