Lagos Task Force Defends Ojo Operation, Denies Invasion Of Private Homes

Kehinde Adeleye

The Lagos State Task Force has denied allegations that its officials break into private homes and garages to seize vehicles and motorcycles, describing the claims as false, misleading and an attempt to misrepresent its operations.

The controversy followed allegations by some residents who claimed that Task Force officials took motorcycles belonging to delivery riders during overnight enforcement operations in parts of Lagos.

One of the residents, who contacted Lagos based activist Segun Olawoye, alleged that Task Force officials arrived on his street at about 2:00 a.m. on August 25, 2026, and took his Qlink Champion motorcycle, which he said was fitted with a delivery box and fully branded for his business.

According to him, the motorcycle had been parked in front of his house when the officials allegedly removed it.

He further claimed that he visited the Task Force office in Oshodi several times in an attempt to recover the motorcycle but was repeatedly asked to return without the motorcycle being released.

Another resident identified as Oluwagbemileke also alleged that his father in law called him during the night to report that Task Force officials had arrived at his garage around Moshalashi Bus Stop in Alimosho and taken away his motorcycle.

Task Force Rejects Allegations

However, the Task Force strongly rejected the allegations.

Its Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, described the claims as “a fallacy from the pit of hell,” insisting that they were false, misleading and devoid of the facts surrounding the operation.

Abdulraheem said the allegations were an attempt to misrepresent the agency, incite members of the public and cast aspersions on the leadership of the Task Force.

He explained that the operation at Agric Farm Estate, Ojo, was neither arbitrary nor unauthorised, but followed petitions submitted by Community Development Associations in the area.

According to him, the Olugbemi, Habeeb, Aiyedoto and Otubu CDAs had drawn the attention of the Task Force Chairman, Adetayo Akerele, to the activities of what they described as recalcitrant commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada.

The communities, he said, complained that the activities of some of the operators had allegedly resulted in injuries to residents, pedestrians and schoolchildren.

“Following these persistent concerns, the CDAs petitioned the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Task Force on May 23, 2026, with a reminder subsequently submitted on July 30, 2026,” Abdulraheem said.

Task Force Says Operation Followed Surveillance

Abdulraheem said the agency conducted surveillance and assessed the situation before carrying out the enforcement operation on August 25.

He therefore rejected claims that the officials carried out a spontaneous invasion of private premises.

“It is therefore misleading for any platform to portray the operation as a spontaneous or unauthorised invasion of private premises,” he said.

The Task Force spokesperson said the arrest of suspected illegal commercial motorcycle operators and the impoundment of motorcycles within Agric Farm Estate were part of the agency’s enforcement against the use of Okada on highways, bridges and other restricted routes across Lagos State.

He added that the Task Force remained committed to preventing criminal activities, restoring order and protecting residents.

Agency Defends Enforcement Operations

Abdulraheem acknowledged that enforcement operations could attract criticism, particularly from individuals affected by them, but maintained that the agency would continue to act on credible complaints, intelligence and petitions involving activities considered threats to public order or violations of Lagos State laws.

He also acknowledged the media’s role in scrutinising government institutions but urged journalists and media organisations to ensure that their reports are based on facts, fairness and responsible journalism.

The competing accounts leave unresolved questions about the specific circumstances surrounding the motorcycles reportedly seized during the overnight operation, while the Task Force maintains that its enforcement activities were authorised and based on complaints from residents and community associations.