Lekki: Lagos govt dislodges squatters, demolishes shanties on waterfront

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, in a decisive crackdown on illegal occupation and rising security threats, recovered dangerous weapons and firearms and made some arrests as it intensified enforcement at the Okunde Bluewater Scheme, Lekki, dislodging squatters and dismantling makeshift structures that had become notorious hideouts for criminal activities in the area.

The State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, made this known in a statement, copy of which was made available to newsmen at the weekend, saying that the follow-up operation, led by him last Thursday, came on the heels of sustained efforts by the state government to reclaim and secure the strategic coastal corridor in line with its Mega City Master Plan. 

Alebiosu revealed that the shanties, originally cleared late last year, had resurfaced and quickly degenerated into zones of concern for law enforcement, as, according to him, miscreants reportedly used the area to perpetrate various illegalities, including robbery, drug peddling, and other anti-social activities.

“This is not just about illegal structures; this is about public safety. During today’s operation, dangerous weapons and firearms were recovered, and arrests were made.

These structures posed serious security and environmental risks, and allowing them to remain would have been a disservice to the law-abiding residents of Lagos,” the commissioner said.

The commissioner emphasised that the reclaimed land was earmarked for the development of a world-class Bluewater Scheme and coastal road infrastructure that would boost connectivity and elevate the state’s tourism and transportation landscape, warning that any attempts to rebuild shanties or makeshift structures on it would be met with swift enforcement.

He, however, assured that sustained monitoring and periodic enforcement would be employed to protect the integrity of the area and ensure that all waterfront corridors were prevented from any illegal resettlement.

“We cleared this large expanse of land late last year, and it is no longer business as usual. Any attempts to rebuild shanties or makeshift structures will be met with swift enforcement.

“MWID remains steadfast in its mission to secure and transform all government-owned waterfronts across Lagos State, in alignment with the vision of a clean, secure, and globally competitive Mega City,” he said.