Officials of the Lagos State Task Force carried out raids in several areas in the metropolis on Thursday and impounded over 100 commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada.
The task force said the operation became necessary following an attempt by Okada riders to reinitiate operations in areas like Apple Junction, Badagry Expressway and Berger despite the ban on their activities.
However, the operation almost triggered off cross firing between the riders and the task force officials, as members of different transport unions, along with urchins, pelted the state government officials with stones.
A witness said, "The operation grounded vehicular movement at the popular Apple Junction leading to FESTAC Town and Ago-Palace Way."
The spokesman of the task force, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, who confirmed the operation, said the operation lasted several hours and was led by the Chairman of the agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye.
He further said, "Okada operations have been banned and banned for good. Its high time operators looked for a different line of legitimate work or had their bikes impounded and also risk fines or jail terms. There is no room for Okada operations in Lagos."
