OJOKORO TIGHTENS SECURITY NET, MOVES TO FLUSH OUT CRIMINALS HIDING AMONG OKADA OPERATORS
In a renewed effort to strengthen internal security and prevent criminal infiltration of commercial transport operations, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has intensified measures aimed at identifying and monitoring all motorcycle and tricycle operators within its jurisdiction.
The security-driven initiative was reinforced at a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday, June 11, at the Community Development Committee (CDC) Hall, Temple Road, Ojokoro and convened by the Executive Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA, Hon. (Barr.) Oluyemisi Adenike Rosiji.
The meeting brought together leaders of commercial motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle operators, community stakeholders, and security agencies, with discussions focused on strengthening intelligence gathering, improving operator identification, and blocking possible security loopholes within the transport sector.
Addressing participants, Hon. Rosiji warned that the council would no longer tolerate a situation where unidentified individuals operate within the transport system, stressing that such gaps pose serious security risks to residents.
She emphasized that all operators must be properly registered and integrated into a verifiable communication structure that allows for effective monitoring and rapid response in the event of security threats.
According to her, a comprehensive database of all motorcycle and tricycle operators will be developed, capturing critical details such as identities, residential addresses, and vehicle registration information.
She further stated that any group of operators that cannot be properly identified or accounted for risks suspension or outright ban from operating within the council area.
Chairman of the Security Committee and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ojokoro Branch, Pastor C.G. Coker, backed the initiative, describing it as a necessary step to block criminal elements from exploiting the transport sector.
He called for compulsory registration of all operators, strict documentation of plate numbers and addresses, regulation of operational hours, and the introduction of uniforms or reflective jackets with clear identification numbers to enhance visibility and accountability.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Alhaji Adeyemi, raised concerns over the presence of unknown individuals operating within some parks, warning that such gaps could be exploited by criminals to blend into the system.
He stressed that without proper identification, it becomes difficult for security agencies and union leaders to distinguish legitimate operators from criminal elements.
Security agencies present at the meeting reinforced the urgency of the initiative.
The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) Commandant, Randle, urged transport unions to strengthen cooperation with security operatives by providing timely intelligence and refusing to shield offenders.
Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force commended motorcycle operators for their past cooperation, noting that information supplied by union members had contributed to the arrest of suspected criminals and recovery of illegal weapons within Ojokoro and urged them to continue in such gesture.
The police, however, warned that tricycle operators must tighten internal monitoring, as criminal elements have been observed exploiting tricycles to target unsuspecting commuters.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders unanimously agreed on key security measures, including compulsory registration of all operators, creation of a centralized database, mandatory use of identifiable uniforms, and strict enforcement of valid motorcycle plate numbers across Ojokoro LCDA.
