The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with security operatives, has intensified enforcement against street trading and illegal occupation of public spaces at Gate, Bodija and Ojoo markets in Ibadan.
The exercise, conducted after the official closing hours on Wednesday, was aimed at enforcing laws regulating trading activities and the use of roads, walkways and other public spaces.
OYRLEA said the action followed continued observations that traders display and sell goods on roads, walkways, drainage channels and road setbacks despite the availability of government-provided market facilities.
During the operation, substantial quantities of perishable and non-perishable goods were impounded from locations where trading activities violated the law.
The authority said the enforcement was not intended to frustrate legitimate businesses but to ensure compliance while protecting motorists, pedestrians and other members of the public.
OYRLEA warned that the exercise would be sustained across the affected markets and other parts of the state until there is significant compliance with the law. It urged traders to use designated trading spaces and cooperate with enforcement personnel.