Eight okada riders arrested over alleged attack on security operatives in Lagos

Eight commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, also known as the Task Force, following an alleged attack on security personnel during an operation in the Apongbon-Marina area.

The suspects were reportedly part of a group of motorcycle operators who resisted the seizure of their motorcycles and allegedly confronted enforcement personnel with dangerous weapons, including broken bottles, machetes and cutlasses.

The incident occurred in Apongbon and adjoining areas while Task Force operatives were enforcing restrictions on motorcycle operations along designated routes.

The agency said some other individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities were also apprehended during the operation.

The arrested 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 the suspects were apprehended during a confrontation that reportedly broke out when they attempted to recover motorcycles seized by enforcement officers.

One of the suspects allegedly told investigators that motorcycle operators had been mobilised to resist government efforts to enforce restrictions on Okada operations along prohibited highways.

The agency further said some of those arrested acknowledged that their motorcycles had previously been impounded during enforcement exercises but continued to operate on restricted routes because of the financial returns from the business.

During questioning, Yusuf allegedly disclosed that the group intended to mount stronger resistance against future enforcement operations targeting commercial motorcycles.

The Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele said the suspects had been placed under surveillance following repeated complaints concerning alleged attacks on uniformed personnel after enforcement operations in the area.

Akerele said residents, including elderly members of the community, had raised concerns about the activities of some Okada operators and their alleged confrontations with security personnel.

“I received complaints from residents and senior citizens alleging that Okada operators forming an esprit de corps, if allowed unchecked, could pose a serious threat to residents, pedestrians and schoolchildren. I immediately put strategies in place to track them down,” he said.

The Task Force chairman assured that those arrested would face prosecution in accordance with the law, stressing that the action would serve as a deterrent to individuals who resort to violence to frustrate legitimate government enforcement.

Akerele also warned that enforcement against motorcycles operating on restricted routes would continue across Lagos.

He added that efforts were underway to identify and apprehend other suspects who allegedly escaped from the scene during the confrontation.

“I urge members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities through our official feedback channels for prompt action.

“We will not retreat or surrender in our drive to make the state’s roads free of recalcitrant Okada operators, who are generally seen as a threat to our collective security,” he said.