The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned members of the public, particularly children, teenagers and young adults, against using roller skates, wheeled shoes and similar recreational devices on public highways.

The agency said the practice exposes users to serious and avoidable traffic hazards, especially when they glide alongside moving vehicles, cross carriageways indiscriminately or manoeuvre through traffic without adequate safety measures and adult supervision.

In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA said public highways are designed primarily for vehicular traffic and present unpredictable conditions involving motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and other road users.

The Authority said the use of wheeled recreational devices on such roads could reduce users’ ability to react to sudden vehicle movements, potentially resulting in collisions and serious injuries.

LASTMA urged parents, guardians, schools and caregivers to discourage children and other vulnerable road users from using rolling skate shoes on highways, expressways, bridges, service lanes and other areas where vehicles operate.

It advised users of such footwear to restrict skating activities to designated recreational areas, private compounds and other suitable locations.

The agency also urged users to wear appropriate protective equipment, including helmets, knee pads and elbow pads.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said road safety requires collective responsibility, vigilance and discipline from all road users.

He said, “The preservation of human life must remain paramount,” adding that “no recreational activity is sufficiently important to justify exposing oneself or other road users to unnecessary danger.”

LASTMA also urged motorists to exercise extra caution around children and young people using wheeled footwear, particularly in residential areas, estates and school zones where vulnerable road users could suddenly enter traffic.

The agency advised members of the public to report dangerous traffic situations, road obstructions, crashes, breakdowns and other incidents requiring urgent intervention through its toll-free short code, 3367.

“Safety on Lagos roads is not merely a regulatory obligation; it is a shared civic responsibility,” LASTMA said.

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command has arrested about 300 suspects during raids on crime-prone areas, shanties and uncompleted buildings across Abuja.

The operation, carried out at the weekend, aimed at identifying and disrupting criminal activities in locations suspected to serve as hideouts for criminals.

The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the exercise was part of measures to “prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and enhance the safety and security of residents.”

“The operation, carried out across various locations, led to the raid of several identified criminal hideouts, with approximately 300 persons taken into custody for screening. Items recovered during the operation include knives, a toy gun, cannabis and other illicit drugs,” the statement reads.

“The suspects are currently undergoing thorough screening and profiling.

“Those found to have committed offences will be appropriately charged to court in accordance with the law, while persons found to have no case to answer will be released after due screening.

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, said the command would maintain intelligence-driven raids and other proactive policing measures across the territory.

He said particular attention would be given to areas identified through intelligence as possible criminal hideouts.

Sanusi also warned youths and other residents about the dangers associated with the use and abuse of illicit drugs.

According to him, substance abuse can affect judgement, encourage violent or criminal conduct and increase security threats within communities.

The commissioner advised individuals battling drug-related challenges to seek counselling and rehabilitation services rather than allow substance abuse to push them into criminal activities.

Sanusi further directed police officers to conduct raids and arrests professionally, warning that such operations must not be used to extort, intimidate or harass members of the public.

He said any officer found demanding money or engaging in other forms of misconduct would be subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures.

The Katsina State Community Watch Corps has reportedly captured Samagi, a top commander in the bandit network led by notorious kingpin Kachalla Maha in Katsina State.

The group was reportedly responsible for the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd.).

Samagi was apprehended alongside another associate.

Samagi’s gang has been linked to several brutal attacks across the Matazu area of the state.

The development came a few days after Katsina vigilantes arrested two suspected ammunition suppliers to Kachalla Maha.

Meanwhile, bandits have continued to terrorise the North-West region amid worsening insecurity, with kidnappings and killings recorded in parts of the region.