The Lagos State Government has vowed to intensify its crackdown on individuals popularly known as car spotters, who allegedly stop, harass and extort motorists, particularly drivers of luxury vehicles, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The government described the activities as criminal, warning that it would sustain enforcement operations aimed at removing such individuals from the streets and restoring safety along the busy transport corridor.

Lagos vows decisive action

Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat disclosed this during a broadcast on Nigeria Info FM, saying the government would not tolerate harassment, extortion or obstruction of motorists on public roads.

Hamzat said security agencies had already commenced operations to identify and arrest individuals allegedly involved in the activities.

“That is criminal, and therefore, we will not allow it. So, we will take a lot of them off the street,” the deputy governor said.

He added that several people had already been arrested, with some of the suspects facing legal proceedings over their alleged activities.

Surveillance cameras aid arrests

Hamzat revealed that surveillance cameras installed along the Lekki-Epe Expressway had become an important tool in tracking individuals allegedly involved in harassing motorists.

According to him, security agencies have been able to identify some suspects through footage captured by cameras positioned along the route.

“A lot of people have been arrested, really. A lot of cameras are also on that road and people have been seen,” Hamzat said.

He further disclosed that some suspects were already appearing before a Magistrate Court, indicating that the enforcement operation had moved beyond arrests to prosecution.

Government targets motorists’ harassment

The deputy governor said the government would continue working with security agencies to rid the corridor of individuals who allegedly stop motorists and demand money from them.

He stressed that motorists must be able to use public roads without intimidation or unlawful demands, regardless of the type or value of their vehicles.

The activities have also raised concerns over traffic disruption and the safety of motorists using one of Lagos’ busiest transport routes.

Lekki-Epe corridor under watch

The Lekki-Epe Expressway connects several rapidly developing residential, commercial and industrial communities, making it a major route for commuters and businesses.

Hamzat said the state government would sustain surveillance and enforcement along the corridor, warning that anyone found engaging in harassment, extortion or unlawful obstruction would face the law.

With arrests already made and some suspects appearing in court, the government is signalling a tougher response to the activities popularly described as “maa gbebo gosolo.”

The state is expected to maintain its surveillance and enforcement operations as it moves to remove alleged car spotters from the streets and improve the safety and free movement of motorists along the Lekki-Epe corridor.