National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Transport workers in Lagos State have accused the officials of Operation MESA, a joint security task force of harassment and extortion.
This joint security operation, comprising the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, operates in collaboration with the police to combat crime in the state.
Tricycle and motorcycle riders in areas such as Shasha, Idimu, Ejigbo, and Ikotun claim that OP MESA officials, moving around in branded pick-up vans, have been extorting money from them. The armed officials reportedly threaten to shoot those who delay in handing over the money.
Leaders of the affected transport workers told PUNCH Metro that attempts to report these issues to authorities have been futile. Alhaji Tafa, a park leader, stated, “This is not the first time we are raising the alarm over OP MESA’s activities, but state authorities don’t seem to care.
They forcibly collect money from us at least twice a day, coming with vans and rifles. When we complained, they started using motorcycles to conceal their identities.”
The situation has worsened, with the officials resuming the use of their vans and becoming more violent. An anonymous executive member noted that these actions have exacerbated the already harsh economic conditions for transport workers.
“They demand money regardless of our earnings and harass us if we try to explain. We’ve complied because they carry guns and we’ve heard of fatal incidents,” he said.
Reports indicate that the military personnel have manhandled transport workers, inflicting injuries and imposing punishments such as forcing them to lie in drainage ditches.
A tricycle rider called on authorities to intervene urgently to prevent potential unrest. “We urge the state and military authorities to listen to our outcry and address this issue before it escalates,” he said.
