In a bold move to combat crime, the Lagos State government has apprehended 94 individuals described as “illegal squatters,” miscreants, and suspected criminals.
The arrests took place in the early hours of Tuesday, during a major security operation along the rail track between Pen-Cinema underbridge and Fagba Junction.
Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, made the announcement on Wednesday.
Wahab said the raid was in response to repeated complaints from residents, commuters, and concerned citizens regarding illegal activities in the area.
He explained that the operation was aimed at addressing rising concerns about crime and disorder around the rail corridors, which have been a hotspot for nefarious activities.
“In response to complaints from residents, commuters, and concerned citizens on the nefarious activities of illegal squatters, miscreants, and suspected criminal elements along rail-track corridors, the agency undertook a midnight raid,” Wahab said.
The commissioner described the operation as a “thorough sweep” that covered more than five kilometers.
According to him, the raid began around 2:30 a.m. and involved dismantling shanties and illegal structures that lined the rail track.
Wahab said the security operatives recovered a range of incriminating items from the suspects, including a locally fabricated shotgun, several wraps of Indian hemp, charms, and a jackknife.
“94 suspects were arrested during the midnight operation,” he said.
“A locally fabricated shotgun and several wraps of illicit substances suspected to be Indian hemp, charms, and a jackknife were recovered.”
The Lagos State government has promised that the suspects will face the law promptly, with plans to charge them in court soon.
The raid underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring public safety, especially in areas notorious for criminal activities.
Wahab emphasized that the state government is taking the issue of public safety seriously and that the operation was part of broader efforts to protect the lives and properties of Lagos residents.
“We are working to make Lagos safe for everyone,” he said.
“The operation was conducted to rid the state of elements that contribute to insecurity.”
The raid comes as part of a larger crackdown on illegal activities within Lagos State.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been focused on addressing safety concerns in various parts of the city, especially in areas where illegal settlements and criminal elements have become an issue.
For residents around Pen-Cinema and Fagba Junction, the midnight operation is seen as a necessary intervention.
Local community members have long complained about the presence of squatters and illicit activities in the rail-track areas.
Wahab assured that similar operations would continue as necessary to maintain law and order.
“Any areas where such elements gather will face similar actions,” he warned.
“Our goal is a Lagos free of illegal structures and criminal elements.”
