The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced a comprehensive 24-hour traffic management operation and a multi-agency urban regeneration enforcement exercise across major traffic corridors and nightlife zones in the state.

The initiative, tagged “Operation Ember Months Stability,” aims to ensure smooth vehicular movement, enhance public safety, and promote environmental discipline ahead of the expected rise in travel activities during the festive period.

In a statement signed by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the agency confirmed the deployment of personnel to key intersections, corridors, and nightlife hubs across Lagos, guaranteeing round-the-clock operational coverage. The strategic deployment targets major routes including Ikorodu Road, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lekki-Epe Corridor, and Agege Motor Road, with a focus on easing traffic congestion, curbing road indiscipline, and reinforcing safety awareness among motorists and commuters.

Bakare-Oki disclosed that the operational expansion is complemented by a multi-agency task force coordinated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, to enforce urban regeneration and environmental rectitude.

According to him, “LASTMA, in collaboration with agencies such as Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), LAMATA, the Nigeria Police, LAWMA, and the Public Works Corporation, carried out a sweeping clearance exercise at Apapa, Ijora, and Costain under-bridges. The operation led to the demolition of over 250 illegal shanties, removal of derelict vehicles, and evacuation of makeshift encampments that hindered traffic flow and posed security risks.”

He further revealed that during the exercise, officials discovered a dummy firearm and several dangerous weapons hidden within a makeshift structure—an incident that reinforced the urgency of the enforcement and the government’s commitment to maintaining safety and order.

To sustain vehicular flow in the newly reclaimed areas, commercial bus operators previously engaged in roadside loading have been relocated to designated parks and terminals, while LAMATA has been directed to take charge of the cleared spaces and integrate them into the state’s mass transit system, particularly within the Ijora transport corridor.

Bakare-Oki also highlighted LASTMA’s recent emergency response efforts, citing the agency’s swift intervention during a multiple-truck collision on Kara Bridge on September 29, 2025, which tragically claimed six lives.

The prompt deployment of recovery equipment prevented further casualties and mitigated gridlock that had extended to the Third Mainland Bridge corridor.

A similar rapid response was recorded at another articulated truck crash on Otedola Bridge the following day, ensuring full traffic restoration.

The LASTMA boss reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to maintain discipline, safety, and orderliness on Lagos roads as the state approaches the busy end-of-year period.