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Lagos traffic agency impounds 84 vehicles, officers injured during crackdown
LASTMA impounded 84 vehicles during a weekend enforcement operation targeting traffic violations across five Lagos areas and reported that officers were assaulted and injured by individuals resisting the crackdown. The operation focused on one-way driving, illegal parking, unauthorized garages, and dangerous reversing by commercial buses, with LASTMA warning of serious public safety risks.
Quick Facts
- Impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles
- Enforcement operation targeting traffic violations
- Officers physically assaulted and injured
- Operational vehicles damaged
- Suspects arrested for attacking officers and damaging vehicles





The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) conducted a weekend enforcement operation across five major traffic areas—Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain, and Onipanu—impounding 84 commercial and private vehicles for traffic violations. The operation targeted one-way driving, illegal parking, indiscriminate passenger loading, and the use of unauthorized locations as vehicle garages. LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki described the exercise as a "necessary and long-overdue intervention" to address what he characterized as a growing disregard for traffic regulations and restore order along critical corridors.
During the operation, LASTMA personnel encountered resistance from some motorists and individuals, resulting in officers being physically assaulted and injured. The agency reported that several people suspected of attacking officers and damaging operational vehicles were arrested. LASTMA emphasized that the operation was necessary to curb persistent violations affecting road safety and traffic flow.
A particular focus of the crackdown was the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota via Cater Bridge. LASTMA warned that this practice creates an extremely hazardous situation, as motorists, commuters, and pedestrians approaching the bridge may have little warning of vehicles unlawfully moving in the opposite direction, with potential to cause "devastating collisions, injuries and fatalities." The agency stated that unauthorized use of under-bridge spaces, road setbacks, and other locations as garages obstructs traffic management and poses considerable risks to public safety.
Bakare-Oki warned that no individuals or groups would be permitted to use public roads, bridges, or under-bridge spaces for illegal loading, parking, vehicle repairs, or garage operations. LASTMA urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions, and other road users to cease one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading, and use of unauthorized garages. The agency stated that further violations would result in enforcement measures under Lagos State traffic laws and encouraged the public to report traffic violations via LASTMA's toll-free short code.
Why This Matters
Lagos's traffic authority expanded enforcement against violations that obstruct critical city corridors and create documented collision risks—particularly dangerous reversing practices along the Iddo–Idumota bridge corridor. The operation resulted in officer injuries and arrests of individuals who resisted, raising measurable questions about enforcement capacity, road safety compliance, and escalation dynamics in traffic management. Affected stakeholders include commercial bus operators, private motorists, transport unions, and daily commuters relying on the five targeted corridors.
Timeline & Sources
Sep 27, 2026
WireLASTMA conducts weekend enforcement operation across Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain, and Onipanu
Sep 27, 2026
Wire84 vehicles impounded for traffic violations including one-way driving, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading, and unauthorized garage use
Sep 27, 2026
WirePunch Newspapers reports on impounded vehicles and assault on LASTMA personnel
Sep 28, 2026
WireFollow-up coverage in The Guardian Nigeria News documenting operation details
Related Signals
Sources
- Lagos Traffic Agency Officers Injured As Drivers Resist Crackdown; 84 Vehicles ImpoundedSahara ReportersMediaSep 27, 2026
- LASTMA impounds 84 vehicles in Lagos traffic crackdownThe Guardian Nigeria NewsMediaSep 27, 2026
- LASTMA impounds 84 vehicles in Lagos, moves against one-way driving, illegal garagesDaily Post NigeriaMediaSep 27, 2026
- LASTMA impounds 84 vehicles as miscreants attack personnelPunch NewspapersMediaSep 27, 2026
- LASTMA impounds 84 vehicles over traffic violations in LagosThe Guardian Nigeria NewsMediaSep 28, 2026