Mobolaji Michael
THE CSP Adetayo Akerele-led Lagos State Task Force on the Environment, in line with its mandate of restoring sanity and decorum on Lagos roads through the enforcement of compliance operations, today clamped down on lawbreakers at Oshodi, Ikeja and Iyana Ipaja where some recalcitrant commercial bus drivers who had been disrupting the free flow of traffic and causing discomfort to Lagosians along those routes had their vehicles confiscated.
The simultaneous operations, which began in the early hours of today (Thursday 11 July 2024), according to Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director, Press and Public Affairs of the agency, led to the seizure of 45 vehicles obstructing traffic or creating illegal bus stops and garages by dropping and picking up passengers.
CSP Akerele disclosed that he had carried out similar operations in these areas but that he was surprised to find out that the minibus operators (korope) were still committing the same offence their colleagues were apprehended for just a week earlier.
“You would think this set of danfo drivers would have learnt from the seizure of vehicles belonging to their colleagues but that is not what we have observed. They will learn the hard way eventually.” CSP Akerele stated.
The Chairman also sounded a note of warning to other commercial bus operators scattered across the state. He warned them to turn a new leaf or have their vehicles impounded.
“There will be no sacred cows in this new dispensation. I don’t care if your commercial bus is branded or tagged with intimidating stickers to escape arrest from enforcers of the law. If you cause obstruction on the highway, your vehicle will be confiscated. Lagosians will not be shortchanged by any selfish bus operator”. 
In a related development, The Chairman of the agency has beamed his searchlight on street traders who have deliberately converted walkways and kerbs to mini markets along Oshodi Road, Suwebatu Street and Oshodi-Apapa Expressway contrary to the laid down environmental laws of the state. He confiscated some goods displayed along the road and reiterated his determination to sanitise the roads and highways of any form of degradation and unapproved conversion to markets.
He warned those still in the practice of engaging in such activities in other parts of the state to pack their wares and vacate the roads, stating that it is not only harmful to the environment but also poses a danger to the traders and commuters who are forced to walk on the highway due to the impediments placed on approved walkways in the state.
CSP Akerele however pointed out that drivers of all impounded vehicles will be prosecuted.
Eighteen-Eleven Media