Lagos traffic agency impounds 84 vehicles, officers injured during crackdown

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.