In Lagos, 123 vehicles were impounded as 19 suspected hoodlums were arrested by LASTMA.

The impounding of 123 vehicles due to illegal parking around bridges on the Lagos Island was carried out by operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the General Manager of LASTMA, confirmed this occurrence in a statement issued by Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the agency on Wednesday in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki emphasized that this measure was part of the ongoing efforts to alleviate traffic congestion in the state, as directed by Mr. Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation.

The enforcement team, led by the LASTMA boss and comprising security personnel, took action following repeated warnings to both private and commercial bus drivers to cease unlawful parking activities and illegal establishment of garages around bridges.

Located around Ebute-Ero by Idumota Bridge, Simpson Bridge, Apongbon under Bridge, and Elegbata area of Lagos Island, the impounding targeted the 123 vehicles, while also seeing the arrest of 19 suspected hoodlums.

By parking freely around bridges, private and commercial bus drivers were criticized for causing unnecessary traffic congestion, which was deemed revolting.

Furthermore, these drivers were noted for inconveniencing other drivers and commuters utilizing these bridges to connect to different parts of the state.

To ensure smooth traffic flow, our enforcement actions against these defiant private and commercial bus drivers will be intensified, stated the LASTMA GM.

In a related development, the capture of 19 infamous troublemakers was reported during an operation targeting unlawful collection of parking fees from unsuspecting drivers.

It was disclosed that these 19 individuals had been masquerading as authorized government representatives using counterfeit ID cards.

According to Bakare-Oki, these suspects had been extorting innocent motorists and street vendors.

Bakare-Oki also mentioned that both the vehicle owners, drivers of the 123 vehicles, and the arrested troublemakers will face legal proceedings at the Lagos State Mobile Court.