The Lagos State Taskforce said it undertook a cleanup exercise along the Mile 2 Oke on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

The exercise led to the removal of illegal shanties, roadside vendors, and the confiscation of 2000 litres of petroleum products.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday by the Agency’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Abdulraheem Gbadeyanka.

Gbadeyanka said the exercise was needed to curb the escalating challenges posed by roadside vendors and the proliferation of shanties in the area.

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He said, “In recent months, the stretch of road along Mile 2 Oke has been plagued by illegal roadside activities that have contributed to severe traffic congestion, an alarming rise in traffic-related robberies, and an overall degradation of the environment.

“The spread of shanties has not only affected the free flow of traffic on that route but has also become a breeding ground for criminal activities, putting the lives and properties of motorists and commuters at risk.

“This swift action is part of the planned programmes of the Chairman of the Agency, Adetayo Akerele, to protect and preserve the environment in line with the agenda of the state government.”

Gbadeyanka noted that the agency discovered that the roadside vendors who set up tents on the curbs were also dealing illegally in petroleum products, adding that the arrested suspects would be charged to court and the recovered items would be confiscated.

“Among the most pressing issues addressed was the illegal sale of petrol and diesel by the roadside where over 2000 litres of petroleum products were seized.

“This is a highly dangerous practice that poses a significant risk of fire hazards and explosions. We will ensure that such activities that endanger the lives of these illegal merchants and other road users are brought to a complete halt,” the statement added.