By Willy Okonji, Lagos-
The Lagos State Government has demolished over 200 illegal shanties and dislodged squatters operating under and around the Ijora, Apapa Road and Costain bridges in a sweeping enforcement operation aimed at curbing crime and restoring environmental order.
The exercise, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, was a joint effort involving LASTMA, LAWMA, KAI, LAMATA and the Nigeria Police Force.
During the clearance, operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) discovered a dummy gun and other weapons hidden inside makeshift structures beneath the bridge, a discovery that heightened fears of rising criminal activity within the corridor.
Giwa, who condemned the illegal settlements as a “haven for crime and environmental abuse,” said the sprawling shanties had become notorious for harbouring drug peddlers, traffic robbers and miscreants who constantly terrorised commuters and nearby residents.
“This is a monumental affront to public decency, environmental order and the collective security of Lagosians,” Giwa declared. “The state will not tolerate brazen lawlessness around critical public infrastructure.”
He explained that many of the cleared areas had also been converted into illegal garages and dumpsites for abandoned trucks, often used by criminals as hideouts.
The Special Adviser warned that the government would not hesitate to enforce strict sanctions on anyone attempting to return to the cleared sites.
“We are determined to sustain the tempo,” he said. “Any displaced miscreants who return will face decisive action.”
According to authorities, the cleared zones, including Apapa Road, Costain and Ijora corridors inward Iponri had long been identified as flashpoints for traffic-related crime and environmental degradation.
Giwa commended the synergy among the participating agencies and called on residents to cooperate with the government by reporting suspicious activities to security operatives.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to restoring public spaces, improving security and delivering a cleaner, safer Lagos that meets global megacity standards,” Giwa added.
Recovered items including the dummy firearm and knives, have been handed over to security authorities for further investigation.
