The Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed allegations that its officials unlawfully invaded a private compound during an enforcement operation against commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada.
The agency described the allegation as “false, misleading and malicious,” insisting that the operation was carried out lawfully in response to repeated complaints from residents and community leaders.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Taskforce accused online platform Objectv of misrepresenting the August 25, 2026 operation at Agric Farm Estate in Ojo Local Government Area.
According to the agency, the operation followed formal petitions from four Community Development Associations (CDAs) — Olugbemi, Habeeb, Aiyedoto and Otubu — over the activities of commercial motorcycle operators allegedly using the estate as a base after operating on restricted highways across Lagos.
The Taskforce said residents had complained about reckless riding, obstruction of internal roads, indiscriminate disposal of waste and open defecation around drains and green areas.
It added that there were also reports of pedestrians and schoolchildren sustaining injuries allegedly linked to motorcycle activities in the area.
The agency said community leaders had made several attempts to regulate the operators, including introducing numbered identification vests for riders authorised to operate within the estate.
However, it claimed the measures were resisted by some operators, who allegedly attacked residents with dangerous weapons.
The Taskforce said it received an initial petition in May, followed by a reminder in July, after which its operatives conducted surveillance before the enforcement operation.
“The operation was neither arbitrary nor an unauthorised invasion of private premises,” the agency said.
It explained that the arrests of suspected illegal commercial motorcycle operators and impoundment of motorcycles were carried out under Lagos State laws restricting commercial motorcycle operations on highways, bridges and other prohibited routes.
The agency maintained that its mandate was to protect public safety, maintain order and enforce compliance with state regulations, stressing that the operation was not targeted at innocent residents.
Reacting to criticism of its Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the Taskforce said he remained committed to his statutory responsibilities and would not be distracted by what it described as personal attacks and sensational reporting.
It said Akerele’s involvement in security operations, including the ongoing Operation Kó Ṣàyé, was part of wider law enforcement efforts to tackle criminal activities and strengthen public security across Lagos.
The agency also questioned what it described as Objectv’s repeated focus on its chairman whenever enforcement operations were reported, while expressing confidence in the support of the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force.
The Taskforce vowed to continue enforcement against illegal commercial motorcycle operations in areas where credible intelligence, public complaints or petitions indicate violations of the law.
It urged media organisations to verify allegations before publication, saying it welcomed legitimate scrutiny but expected journalism to be guided by accuracy, fairness and responsibility.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing Lagos State laws, maintaining public order and tackling activities it believes pose threats to the safety and security of residents.
