No less than 5,200 motorcycles were seized by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offenses Unit (Task Force) between January and June, reports the Nigeria News Agency (NAN).
The unit’s public affairs chief, Mr. Femi Moliki, revealed this in an interview with NAN on Monday.
Moliki said all of the impounded motorcycles used various restricted routes in the state and put the lives of other road users at risk, despite several government warnings.
He said task force chairman CSP Shola Jejeloye led the operation to seize the 104 motorcycles on Monday in the Second Rainbow, Cele and Okota areas of the state.
Moliki quoted Jejeloye as saying the seizure was in line with state traffic law enforcement, adding that it was also aimed at ending blatant traffic abuse by motorcyclists.
“The government is concerned about the recklessness of motorcyclists on restricted routes. It has therefore become necessary to help them by saving their lives and that of other road users.
“The government will not fold its arms and allow motorcyclists to create chaos for other road users on prohibited routes,” Jejeloye reportedly said.
Moliki said the operation had become imperative for the government to prevent the increase in crime by motorcyclists in the metropolis, especially on prohibited roads.
He said the agency would continue to crack down on recalcitrant motorcyclists using restricted routes to ensure the safety of lives and property.
Moliki, however, called for support from the state’s people, saying they should refrain from boarding motorcycles in no-go areas.
According to him, the highway code is in everyone’s best interest. (NAN)