The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has agreed to strengthen partnership on traffic management in Lagos with the Nigerian Army.
This development follows the recent incidents between Army officers and a LASTMA official on traffic enforcement duty.
LASTMA in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, on Tuesday, said the operatives would continue to rely on continuous support from the Nigerian Army and other security agencies across the State.
On August 8, a viral video showed the face-off between the two security forces, with a LASTMA official seen using a wooden object against a soldier who had initially hit the official with his hand.
Subsequently, on Monday, August 14, another video emerged, capturing about seven soldiers in uniform assaulting the LASTMA official. The masked soldiers, suspected to be on a revenge mission, mobbed the official before leaving the scene.
Oreagba, however, reacting to the incidents during a working visit by Officials of the 9 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, maintained that the Agency “won’t abuse the relationship nor take the cordiality and warm friendliness which has existed between the Army and Lastma for granted.”
Although, he described the incident as unfortunate, Oreagba said there is no love lost between the two agencies, adding that Lastma personnel would continue to rely on continuous support from the Nigerian Army and other security agencies across the State.
He emphasized that the recurrence of such incidents would be prevented through the continued utilisation of established communication channels, stating that additional new hotlines will be explored by the two agencies always to resolve issues.
In his speech, the Commander of the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Adegoke Moses Adetuyi, stressed the importance of unity among security agencies to prevent the success of negative elements.
He also called for improved collaboration among government bodies, including Lastma, to achieve this goal.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army on Monday, condemned the clash between soldiers and officials LASTMA, describing it s disturbing.
The force spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu said, “I must say it is very disturbing that soldiers/LASTMA conflict is now one too many.
“The authorities of the Nigerian Army are genuinely concerned and are embarking on vigorous sensitisation campaign to educate our personnel on the need to ensure compliance with traffic rules and promote synergy and interagency cooperation in Lagos State and around the country.”
However, nothing in the statements from both agencies clearly indicated if the officers involved would face disciplinary measures or not.
Alleluia is the Assistant Editor and Content Writer at LagosPost.ng. She is a prolific writer and editor, she has written features and news stories on Lifestyle, Sports, Business, Politics and B2B marketing. She is also an event coordinator, host and social media content creator.
