VIDEO: Lagos defends VIOs after viral clash with truck driver

A viral video circulating on social media on Tuesday captured a dramatic confrontation between Vehicle Inspection Officers and a truck driver at the Onipanu area of Lagos State.

The video showed the uniformed VIOs climbing onto the cab of the truck, vigorously tugging at door handles, and striking the vehicle in an attempt to exit the driver.

The driver’s refusal to exit the vehicle in the video resulted in a tense scene that caused a traffic buildup.

The incident drew immediate reactions from netizens, with some condemning the officers’ aggressive actions, while others supported the enforcement, citing the constant challenges traffic officials face with resistant drivers and the need for public compliance.

Hours after the video went viral, the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation issued an official statement defending the officers’ actions and clarifying the circumstances surrounding the pursuit.

Signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Bolanle Ogunlola, the statement confirmed that the officers were from the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service and were engaged in apprehending a “reckless truck driver who endangered lives on our roads.”

The statement read, “The Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service has successfully apprehended a reckless truck driver earlier today who endangered lives on our roads.

One of the affected vehicles. Credit: Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.

“The truck, found with a broken windscreen, no brake, no vehicle particulars, carrying an unsecured container, was intercepted at Ojota, but in an escape efforts by the driver damaged three vehicles along Maryland and posing a threat to other road users.”

The ministry confirmed that the truck has been impounded and asserted that the driver “will face the full force of the law.”

The statement concluded by commending the VIS officers “for their diligence and commitment to safety, which led to the successful operation” and urged all road users to prioritise safety and comply with traffic regulations.

PUNCH reported in August how some VIOs were assaulted in the Mile 2 area of Lagos State while executing their duties.

Reacting to the incident, the Lagos State  Ministry of Transportation declared that the perpetrators of the attack will be pursued, apprehended and subjected to the full sanctions of the law.

Watch videos below:

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫

A viral video circulating on social media on Tuesday captured a dramatic confrontation between Vehicle Inspection Officers and a truck driver at the Onipanu area of… pic.twitter.com/7sjBxeVnKV

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) November 25, 2025