RismadarVoice Reporters
September 6, 2026
The Lagos State Taskforce has rejected allegations that its officials forcefully entered a residential compound and an Okada garage during an enforcement operation at Agric Farm Estate in the Ojo Local Government Area of the state.
The agency described the report as false and misleading, insisting that the August 25, 2026 operation was a legitimate enforcement exercise triggered by complaints from residents’ associations in the area.
The Director of Public Affairs of the Taskforce, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, said four Community Development Associations (CDAs) had petitioned the agency over the activities of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada, in the estate.
According to Mr Gbadeyan, the Olugbemi, Habeeb, Aiyedoto and Otubu communities first petitioned the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, on May 23 and followed it with a reminder on July 30.
He said the communities complained that commercial motorcyclists were using the estate as a base after operating on highways during the day.
The CDAs also raised concerns about alleged indiscriminate defecation around drainage channels, environmental pollution, reckless riding, obstruction of internal roads and accidents involving residents, pedestrians and schoolchildren.
Mr Gbadeyan said the communities had attempted to regulate the motorcycle operators by introducing numbered vests bearing the estate’s identity but allegedly encountered resistance, including attacks involving dangerous weapons.
“Following these persistent concerns, the agency thereafter conducted strategic surveillance and assessment of the situation before the enforcement operation of August 25, 2026,” he said.
The agency said the arrest of suspected illegal commercial motorcycle operators and seizure of motorcycles during the operation were part of its ongoing enforcement against Okada operations on highways, bridges and other prohibited routes across Lagos.
Mr Gbadeyan said the operation was conducted within the Taskforce’s statutory responsibilities and in accordance with existing restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in the state.
He expressed concern over what he described as attempts to portray enforcement actions against alleged violations as attacks on innocent residents.
He said the Taskforce’s responsibilities included protecting public safety, maintaining order and ensuring compliance with Lagos State laws.
Mr Gbadeyan also defended the Taskforce chairman, describing him as focused on his responsibilities and committed to operations aimed at preventing crime and restoring order.
He linked Mr Akerele’s involvement in initiatives such as “Operation Kó Ṣàyé” to broader security objectives being pursued by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
“The Taskforce therefore rejects any attempt to portray legitimate enforcement activities as personal vendettas or arbitrary actions,” he said.
The agency also criticised what it described as repeated references to its chairman in reports and commentaries by the online platform whenever its enforcement operations were reported.
It said it would not be distracted by what it called personal attacks and sensational reports capable of undermining public confidence in its leadership.
The Taskforce acknowledged that its enforcement activities could generate criticism but maintained that such operations remained necessary when violations posed threats to public safety and environmental sanitation.
It urged media organisations and members of the public to verify information before publishing or circulating allegations that could mislead the public or damage the reputation of individuals and institutions.
Mr Gbadeyan reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing the law and addressing activities it considers capable of threatening the peace, safety and security of Lagos residents.
