Residents of the Lekki-Ajah axis in Lagos State have raised alarm over the increasing presence of illegal tolls mounted by touts along access roads. They are calling for immediate action to safeguard the safety of commuters, particularly in light of the rising insecurity in the area.
In separate interviews with our correspondence on Tuesday, residents expressed frustration over the worsening situation, particularly on inner roads and areas affected by ongoing road rehabilitation. These disruptions have led to increased traffic, which residents claim is being exploited by miscreants for illegal activities.
Mr. Tunde Adebayo, a resident of Lekki Phase II, highlighted how touts have turned several access points into extortion zones. He explained that these individuals often set up makeshift barricades at turning points, where they demand money from motorists. “Once you slow down, they surround your car, demanding money. If you hesitate, they become aggressive,” Adebayo said.
He also noted that this problem has escalated from mere harassment to outright intimidation and vandalism. “There was a recent incident involving a popular musician, Mavo, whose car windscreen was smashed with a stone after he refused to comply. That tells you how emboldened they have become,” he added.
Mrs. Ifunanya Okeke, a resident of Ajah, raised concerns about the dangers motorists face, especially at night. “Driving at night has become very risky. These boys operate in groups, and the roads are poorly lit due to construction. You don’t know who is who, and they can easily rob you or damage your vehicle,” Okeke said.
She further explained that the touts take advantage of road diversions to set up checkpoints, falsely claiming authority to control traffic. “They act like they have authority. Some even direct traffic while collecting money. There’s this sense of entitlement, like the road belongs to them,” Okeke added.
Mr. Sadiq Lawal, a commercial driver operating along the Lekki-Ajah route, described the situation as both an economic burden and a security risk. “Imagine paying unofficial fees multiple times on a short stretch. It affects transport fares and increases tension on the road. Some drivers argue with them, and it can quickly turn violent,” he said.
Lawal also mentioned that when motorists resist paying, the touts sometimes resort to petty theft. “I’ve seen situations where they snatch side mirrors or attempt to open doors if a driver refuses to pay. It’s no longer just about tolls; it’s becoming criminal,” he added.
The residents are now calling for a coordinated response from the Nigeria Police Force and local government task forces to dismantle these illegal checkpoints and ensure a sustained presence in the area. They warned that without decisive action, the situation could further deteriorate, compromising public safety and eroding confidence in the state’s traffic and security management systems.
