Lagos taskforce rejects report on Agric estate okada raid, says operation followed community petition
The Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed a report by Objectv alleging that its officials and leadership forcefully entered a compound or commercial motorcycle garage during an enforcement operation at Agric Farm Estate, Agric Bus Stop, Ojo Local Government Area of the state.
The agency described the report as misleading and lacking the facts surrounding the operation, insisting that the enforcement exercise was based on complaints formally submitted by community associations over the activities of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Taskforce said the operation followed a petition from Community Development Associations (CDAs) representing Olugbemi, Habeeb, Aiyedoto and Otubu communities.
According to the agency, the CDAs had raised concerns with the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, over the activities of Okada operators allegedly using the estate and neighbouring communities as a base after operating on highways during the day.
The communities reportedly complained of indiscriminate defecation around drainage channels and green areas along the Badagry Expressway, environmental pollution, reckless motorcycle riding and obstruction of inner roads.
They also alleged that some motorcycle operators had caused injuries to residents, pedestrians and schoolchildren.
The Taskforce said the communities had previously attempted to regulate the operators, including introducing estate-branded numbered vests to facilitate the identification and reporting of erring riders.
However, the agency said the CDAs alleged that the initiative was resisted by some operators, with some of the confrontations reportedly involving dangerous weapons.
The communities subsequently petitioned the Lagos State Government through the Taskforce on May 23, 2026, before submitting a reminder on July 30.
The agency said it subsequently carried out surveillance and an assessment of the situation before conducting the enforcement operation on August 25.
It therefore rejected the portrayal of the exercise as a spontaneous or unauthorised invasion of private property.
Taskforce Defends Arrests, Motorcycle Seizures
The agency further explained that the arrest of suspected illegal commercial motorcycle operators and the impoundment of motorcycles at Agric Farm Estate formed part of its wider enforcement against Okada operations on highways, bridges and other restricted routes in Lagos.
It maintained that the operation was carried out within its statutory mandate and in line with existing restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in the state.
The Taskforce said its responsibility included protecting public safety, maintaining order and enforcing relevant laws, arguing that such responsibilities sometimes required action against activities considered dangerous or unlawful.
The agency also defended its chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, against what it described as attempts to portray enforcement activities as personal vendettas.
According to the statement, Akerele remains focused on the mandate assigned to him by the relevant authorities and has supported enforcement operations aimed at preventing criminal activities, restoring order and protecting residents.
The Taskforce linked his participation in operations, including Operation Kó Ṣàyé, to broader security objectives of the Nigeria Police Force leadership and efforts to prevent criminal elements from exploiting security gaps in Lagos.
The agency expressed concern over what it described as the repeated prominence of its chairman in Objectv’s reports whenever Taskforce enforcement activities are covered.
It said, however, that such reports would not distract the agency from its responsibilities.
The Taskforce acknowledged that enforcement operations could generate criticism, particularly among individuals and groups affected by them, but maintained that enforcement remained necessary where alleged violations posed risks to public safety, environmental sanitation and security.
It said it would continue to act on credible complaints, intelligence and petitions concerning activities that threaten public order or violate Lagos State laws.
The agency also urged media organisations and members of the public to verify allegations before publishing or circulating them, stressing the need for factual, fair and responsible reporting.
While acknowledging the media’s role in scrutinising government institutions, the Taskforce said such scrutiny should be based on facts and fairness.
It reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law and tackling activities it said could undermine the peace, safety and security of Lagos residents.