Security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force have warned commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, to strictly obey the law on restrictions on some local government areas and Councils in Lagos or face the full weight of the law.
The police specifically warned against planned protests by Okada riders in the state, promising hell for any one who may dare the forces.
Following a security report that Okada riders were making plans to protest their ban on certain areas, especially Lekki, on June 1, the police and other security agencies embarked on a show of force in the state giving stern warning to the riders not to dare the forces.
On May, 12 , 2022, the news of the killing and burning of a sound engineer,David Imoh ,by Okada riders went viral, forcing the state Government to ban Okada riders from operating in some areas, especially Lekki Phase 1,where the incident occurred.
The show of force was a combined operation by the police and other security agencies which include; Navy, Federal Road Safety Corp, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Neighbourhood Watch,and the Nigeria Security and Civil Corps.
During the procession, officials of Lagos state Ministry of Information were sharing flyers to residents and warning riders in three prominent Nigeria languages to stay away from the restricted roads . In the flayers ,passengers were also strictly warned against patronizing the riders.
The show of force started from Lagos State Police Command and proceeded to Maryland, Surulere, Itire, Ikate, Orile Iganmu,and Lekki area of the state from where the convoy returned to the command.
Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operation, Mr. Ahmad Kontagora, who addressed journalists after the show of force, said the essence of the parade was to send a signal to the criminally minded motorcycle riders in the state to stay away from Lagos.
According to him, the Police and other sister agencies,were ready for any criminally minded rider, “the Synergy with other security agencies shows that we are battle -ready to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycle riders in the six local governments to the latter. We are ready to confront any of them who want to embark on a protest.
“We will not take it lightly with those who are criminals among them. The show of force is a clear warning to those who are not ready to stand by the law of the state.We are battle ready on our side to enforce the law and it would be a reality, because Lagos State is not the only State where Okada was banned and Lagos would not be the last. Other states of the federation have banned Okada before Lagos .We are going to fight it until we succeed. The law abiding citizen should go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation and they should be rest assured that they can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“We are going to protect lives and property of Lagos residents, we won’t allow the criminally minded among the riders to rest until we achieve our aims.Those who are arrested in the cause of enforcement would be charged to Court for the proper punishment they deserve. Parents are advised to warn their children against patronising the riders on restricted roads.”
