Lagos Govt Begins Crackdown on Illegal Structures, Criminal Hideouts Under Idumota Bridge

The Lagos State Government has commenced the removal of illegal structures and criminal hideouts under Idumota Bridge, reinforcing its commitment to public safety and environmental enforcement.

This action follows the expiration of eviction notices served to occupants. The announcement was made on Wednesday via an X post by Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources.

“Following the expiration of served notices, our dedicated Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (@LAGESCOfficial) (KAI) have commenced clearance operations under Idumota Bridge, which has been harboring criminal elements and other illegal activities,” Wahab stated.

Operation Details: Clearing Illegal Occupations in Lagos

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is actively supporting the cleanup effort, removing debris and ensuring the area remains clean and secure. A video accompanying Wahab’s post captured LAGESC (KAI) officers demolishing makeshift sheds, unauthorized structures, and storage containers using mallets and heavy machinery. A caterpillar was deployed to clear larger, sturdier illegal structures, further opening up the area.

This clearance operation is part of a broader initiative by the Lagos State Government to enforce environmental laws, curb illegal settlements, and enhance urban security.

Lagos Govt Cracks Down: Shanties and Markets at Cele Set for Demolition

Ongoing Clearance Efforts Across Lagos

The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to clear illegal shanties and makeshift structures, aiming to improve public safety and urban planning.

• January 2025 – Authorities removed illegal markets and shanties obstructing the System 6C drainage in Cele-Ilasa.
• November 2024 – 54 shanties were dismantled, and 84 occupants were relocated from under Eko Bridge in Ebute-Ero.
• May 2024 – 86 makeshift apartments were cleared under Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi, where tenants reportedly paid up to ₦250,000 annually for unauthorized rooms.
• Additional clearance operations have targeted Ijora Causeway Bridge, Blue Line Overhead Bridge, National Stadium Bridge, and Osborne Bridge.

To prevent reoccupation, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab revealed plans to collaborate with private sector partners to transform cleared spaces into public-use facilities, ensuring long-term sustainability.

The Bigger Picture

This strategic urban renewal aligns with the government’s vision to create a cleaner, safer, and more organized Lagos, free from illegal settlements and criminal activities.