The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce has carried out a coordinated raid across major drug hotspots in Gowon Estate, Alimosho, arresting 20 suspected drug peddlers and seizing illegal substances during the operation.
The raid, which took place on Tuesday, April 16, 2025, was described by officials as a major breakthrough in the state’s ongoing efforts to curb illicit drug use and restore public safety in troubled areas.
According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed the details of the operation via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Taskforce targeted several locations that had been identified through intelligence reports as notorious drug enclaves. These included the 31 Road intersection, Wole Omo-Osho Street, Idoani Street, and the Egbeda market area along the Egbeda-Idimu Road.
Wahab said the joint operation was prompted by rising complaints from residents and security intelligence pointing to high levels of drug peddling and consumption in the areas. He noted that these spots had become gathering points for criminals, posing a threat to law-abiding citizens, especially youths.
During the operation, makeshift stalls and illegal kiosks that served as drug trading points were dismantled, especially at the Idoani Street junction, where the Taskforce found large groups of individuals openly engaging in the sale and use of banned substances.
“The Taskforce moved swiftly based on credible intelligence. We discovered that some of these dealers even came from neighbouring towns to ply their illegal trade here in Gowon Estate,” Wahab said.
He added that several items were recovered at the scene, including various types of illicit drugs and cash suspected to be proceeds from the illegal activity.
Wahab emphasized that the state government is committed to not only arresting suspects but also ensuring they are prosecuted under the law.
The 20 individuals arrested are being detained and are expected to face charges related to drug trafficking and criminal activity. The government said their files are being processed and they will be arraigned in court shortly.
“These individuals will face the full weight of the law. Drug peddling is a crime that destroys families and communities, and we will not tolerate it,” Wahab said.
He added that the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is determined to rid the state of criminal elements through constant operations, reforms, and awareness campaigns.
This latest raid is part of a broader campaign by the Lagos State Government to clean up public spaces, especially areas known for drug use, street trading, and illegal structures. The Taskforce has been active across the state, removing shanties, unapproved kiosks, and makeshift stalls used for illegal activities.
In January 2025, similar operations were carried out in Oshodi and Obalende, where dozens of arrests were made, and illegal structures were removed. Authorities have since increased surveillance across the city, working with local communities to identify new hotspots.
Wahab reiterated that the war against drug abuse is not just about arrests and demolitions but also about rehabilitation and community safety.
“We understand that this is a problem that needs both tough enforcement and social intervention. We are working with other ministries to ensure that those willing to turn a new leaf get the help they need, but first, the drug dens must go,” he stated.
Many residents of Gowon Estate and surrounding areas have expressed relief and support for the government’s action. Some community members, who spoke to journalists anonymously for fear of reprisals, said they had long been worried about the safety of their children and the growing number of strange faces in the neighbourhood, especially at night.
“We are happy they came. That area had become a no-go zone at night. It was scary. Now, we can sleep with our eyes closed,” one resident said.
Another local shop owner praised the government for responding to community complaints: “We’ve been shouting for years. They would sit in those stalls, smoking and drinking at all hours. People were scared to walk past. We thank the government for doing something.”
Officials say the Taskforce will maintain a strong presence in the area to prevent a resurgence of the criminal activities. Regular patrols and monitoring will be carried out in collaboration with local security agencies and community leaders.
The Lagos State Government also called on the public to report suspicious activities through designated hotlines and digital platforms, assuring residents that all information provided will be treated confidentially.
“We need the help of the people. Security is everyone’s business. If you see something, say something,” Wahab urged.
Nigeria has seen a troubling rise in drug abuse, especially among young people. According to the 2018 National Drug Use Survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), an estimated 14.4% of the population aged 15–64 years (about 14.3 million people) had used drugs at least once in the previous year.
Lagos, being Nigeria’s most populous city and commercial hub, has not been spared. Experts say peer pressure, unemployment, and lack of awareness contribute to the growing problem.
To tackle the crisis, government agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have stepped up enforcement and public sensitisation. However, challenges remain due to the vastness of the state and the evolving tactics of drug dealers.
