Eight commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, have been arrested by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, commonly known as the Lagos State Task Force, over an alleged attack on security personnel in the Apongbon-Marina area of the state.
The suspects were reportedly arrested during an enforcement operation aimed at restricting commercial motorcycle operations on prohibited routes.
According to the Task Force, the riders allegedly resisted the seizure of their motorcycles and confronted enforcement officers with dangerous weapons, including broken bottles, machetes and cutlasses.
The confrontation reportedly occurred in Apongbon and adjoining areas as operatives enforced restrictions on Okada operations along designated highways.
The suspects were identified as Buba Umar, 40; Musa Usman, 30; Gambo Dauda, 32; Shagari Bulba, 42; Auwalu Mohammed, 30; Idris Hassan, 25; Wale Yusuf, 43, also known as Babalawo; Ohnosi Osaseti; and Sagiru Asiru.
The Task Force said some of the suspects had previously had their motorcycles impounded during enforcement operations but allegedly continued operating on restricted routes because of the financial benefits.
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One of the suspects was also alleged to have disclosed that motorcycle operators had been mobilised to resist further government enforcement efforts.
Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects had been placed under surveillance following repeated complaints about alleged attacks on uniformed personnel in the area.
Akerele said residents, including elderly members of the community, had expressed concerns over the activities of some Okada operators and their alleged confrontations with security personnel.
He explained that strategies were subsequently put in place to identify and apprehend those allegedly involved.
The Task Force chairman stated that the arrested suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that the action was intended to deter anyone who resorts to violence to frustrate legitimate enforcement operations.
He further warned that enforcement against commercial motorcycles operating on restricted routes would continue across Lagos.
Akerele also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to track down other individuals who allegedly escaped during the confrontation.
He urged residents to report suspicious activities through the appropriate channels, assuring the public that the Task Force would continue working to improve safety and compliance on Lagos roads.
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