The Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed allegations of extortion, illegal sale of seized motorcycles and abuse of force in its enforcement operations, reaffirming its commitment to public safety, integrity and the rule of law.
The agency addressed the claims in a statement issued on Friday by its Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, following what it described as “misleading and unsubstantiated narratives” circulating on social media about its activities.
According to the Taskforce, commercial motorcycles are apprehended strictly through due process and prosecuted before the Mobile Court for violating the Lagos State Road Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, particularly for operating on routes prohibited by the state government.
“These actions are judicially backed and not arbitrary,” the Taskforce said, stressing that enforcement operations are carried out within the framework of the law.
The agency clarified that seized motorcycles are not sold back to operators, contrary to claims on social media.
“Upon confiscation, seized motorcycles are transferred to the Ministry of Transportation and subsequently crushed at the government-approved junkyard in Alausa.
“At no point are seized motorcycles sold back to operators or diverted for personal benefit,” the statement read.
It added that while seized motorcycles are destroyed, confiscated vehicles are auctioned strictly by the state government through court-approved and transparent processes.
The Taskforce also denied the use of civilian touts during enforcement, explaining that some operatives work in plain clothes as part of intelligence-led operations.
“The para-military operatives attached to the agency may operate in plain clothes as part of intelligence-led sting operations, a standard enforcement practice worldwide,” it stated, noting that all such officers are trained personnel acting within approved operational frameworks.
Highlighting the security dimension of illegal okada operations, the Taskforce said intelligence reports show that a significant number of operators arrested in restricted areas are non-Nigerians, some without valid documentation.
“Intelligence assessments indicate that criminal elements often exploit the okada business as a cover to evade scrutiny, infiltrate communities and foment disorder,” the agency said, describing illegal motorcycle operations as “a broader public safety and security issue” beyond traffic violations.
On allegations against the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the agency described claims of personal enrichment or compromise as “reckless, unfounded and unsupported by facts.”
“Every assignment entrusted to the Chairman has been discharged with the highest degree of responsibility, professionalism and integrity,” the statement said, adding that his leadership is driven by “commitment and sacrifice.”
The Taskforce further defended the controlled use of tear gas during enforcement operations, noting that it remains an internationally recognised crowd-control measure when deployed by trained and authorised personnel.
“Its use is governed by strict operational guidelines and is never applied arbitrarily,” the agency stated.
Urging members of the public to verify information before sharing it online, the Taskforce warned that misinformation undermines public trust and distracts from efforts to maintain order.
“Lagosians deserve to live, work and commute in an environment that is safe, serene and secure, and the Taskforce remains unwavering in its commitment to that mandate,” the statement added.
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