LASTMA Rescued Over 1,000 Crash Victims, Impounded More Than 17,000 Vehicles in 2025 – Official Reports

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that as part of efforts to strengthen road safety and curb traffic accidents in the state, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has disclosed that it rescued 1,075 injured crash victims, and Impounded more than 17,000 vehicles for various infractions across Lagos in 2025.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the agency made this known in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.

According to the agency, "LASTMA over the weekend announced remarkable progress in its sustained crusade to fortify road safety standards and decisively curb traffic crashes across Lagos State, disclosing that no fewer than 1,075 injured accident victims were rescued by its officers during coordinated emergency interventions undertaken throughout the 2025 operational year."

"The rescue operations were carried out across major traffic corridors through rapid response mechanisms, inter-agency collaboration and the deployment of personnel to high-risk areas to ensure prompt assistance for accident victims.

“Operational statistics further indicate that LASTMA’s intensified enforcement drive culminated in the impoundment of 5,581 private vehicles for diverse traffic infractions, while 10,825 commercial vehicles were similarly apprehended for violations ranging from reckless driving and overloading to obstruction, mechanical deficiencies and flagrant disregard for extant traffic regulations,” the statement added.

OTN News observes from the statement that the LASTMA also disclosed that 760 vehicles were apprehended for one-way violations, bringing the total number of impounded vehicles to 17,166.

Speaking the General Manager of the agency, Bakare-Oki Olalekan, explained that the figures reflect a shift towards proactive traffic management driven by technology, intelligence-led enforcement and sustained public enlightenment aimed at improving motorists’ behaviour.

He added that LASTMA officials regularly undertake emergency response operations, including rescuing crash victims, securing accident scenes, restoring traffic flow and working with medical and rescue agencies to prevent secondary incidents.

The agency attributed many of the crashes to excessive speed, mechanical failure, fatigue, impaired driving and dangerous manoeuvres such as driving against traffic.

It noted that impounding offending vehicles forms part of its deterrence strategy to enforce compliance, remove unsafe vehicles from the roads and uphold traffic laws.

While expressing concern over persistent one-way violations, LASTMA said the apprehension of offenders demonstrates its resolve to curb practices that endanger other road users.

The agency, however, stressed that enforcement alone cannot guarantee lasting safety without the cooperation of motorists, transport unions, fleet operators and the general public.

It said it would continue advocacy campaigns and stakeholder engagements to promote voluntary compliance.

The General Manager said the agency’s strategy prioritises prevention, early risk detection and rapid incident response, supported by technology-driven monitoring, personnel training and collaboration with emergency responders.

LASTMA urged motorists to obey speed limits, ensure vehicle roadworthiness, avoid driving against traffic and comply with lawful directives from traffic officers.

The agency, however, reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement, public enlightenment and measures aimed at reducing traffic crashes and improving safety across the state.