LASTMA, task force officials clash over right to control traffic in Lagos

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and men of the Federal Task Force in Lagos clashed in various parts of the state over a disagreement on who was authorised to control traffic in the state.

It was learnt that the task force, which began recruitment and training a few months ago, began operations fully on Tuesday to the chagrin of LASTMA.


The task force officials were seen on many roads in the state including Ojota, Ikorodu Road and Toll Gate.

It was learnt that in many of the locations where they were posted, the members of the task force and LASTMA officials had heated arguments that almost degenerated into fisticuffs

The Commissioner for Information in the state, Lateef Ibirogba, said in a statement that it took the intervention of the police to restore normalcy.

Ibirogba questioned the motive of the task force and alleged that they were a security threat.

He said, "The police intercepted a strange group of usurpers posing as traffic officials on Lagos roads. Dressed in grey and black uniforms, the group, numbering about 35 invaded Lagos roads like Ojota, Toll Gate and Ikorodu Road at about 7am, causing confusion on the roads in their attempt to take over the job of LASTMA."