The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has initiated a significant enforcement campaign across critical traffic corridors within the metropolis, aiming to restore order, discipline, and structural coherence to Lagos State's urban mobility architecture. During this operation, 235 vehicles were sanctioned for various traffic infractions, and 10 miscreants were arrested.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who coordinated the operation, confirmed the deployment of personnel across high-density zones. The enforcement commenced on Wednesday in areas including Oyingbo, Iddo, Eja-Lonibu, Adeniji Adele, Sabo, Jibowu (Inter-State Terminal), and Oshodi. These areas have long contended with traffic congestion, indiscriminate parking, and environmental violations.

The 235 impounded vehicles comprised 38 private cars, 156 Volkswagen commercial buses (Danfo), 19 minibuses (Korope)/tricycles, five haulage trucks, and 17 inter-state passenger buses. These vehicles were cited for breaching the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. Offences ranged from unlawful encroachment upon pedestrian pathways, obstruction of vehicular flow, and establishment of illegal terminals, to reckless disregard for established traffic regulations.

A notable incident involved the interception of five articulated trucks atop the Adeniji Adele Bridge. These trucks were found illegally offloading livestock, such as rams and cows, as well as abattoir waste. This action constituted a severe environmental defilement and compromised both public safety and the structural integrity of the bridge. The drivers involved are now subject to imminent judicial proceedings for their contempt of sanitation laws.

This enforcement initiative follows a directive from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa. Mr. Bakare-Oki emphasized LASTMA's new approach: "LASTMA is now operating under a strict zero-tolerance mandate against traffic infractions. All impounded vehicles will be promptly arraigned before the Lagos State Mobile Court for prosecution. The era of impunity on our roads is over." He further clarified, "This operation is not targeted at any demographic or commercial interest but aims to rectify systemic dysfunction. We urge all road users to view this as an opportunity for collective civic renewal."

The campaign is set to span all five administrative divisions of Lagos State: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe. LASTMA, in collaboration with partner agencies, is employing a combination of regulatory, logistical, and technological measures to reclaim public roadways and ensure compliance.

Mr. Bakare-Oki issued a warning that vehicles engaged in illegal parking, obstructing traffic flow, or driving against traffic will face immediate impoundment. He reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to using all legal, operational, and digital tools to maintain order on the state's road network. Motorists and the public are encouraged to report traffic violations, environmental nuisances, or misconduct by LASTMA personnel via the authority’s toll-free hotline: 080000527862.