The Lagos State Government has apprehended 94 individuals accused of squatting along rail track corridors in the state.
The operation was part of a concerted effort to address rising concerns about safety and criminal activities in these areas. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, disclosed the details of the raid on Wednesday via a post on X.com.
The commissioner explained that the move was in response to numerous complaints from residents, commuters, and other concerned citizens who reported illegal squatting and suspicious activities near the rail tracks.
The raid targeted the stretch from Pen-Cinema under the bridge to Fagba Junction, both known for their heavy foot traffic and history of unregulated activities.
The operation, which caught many by surprise, was executed with precision. Law enforcement officers, accompanied by relevant government agencies, conducted thorough sweeps of the targeted areas.
The arrest of 94 individuals marked the largest crackdown of its kind in recent months, reflecting the government’s commitment to securing public spaces and combating criminal behavior.
During the raid, authorities uncovered various items, including a locally fabricated short gun, several wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, charms, and a jackknife. These discoveries have heightened concerns about the type of activities conducted by those occupying the rail tracks.
“In response to complaints from residents, commuters, and concerned citizens about the nefarious activities of illegal squatters, miscreants, and suspected criminal elements along rail track corridors, the agency conducted a midnight raid along the rail track from Pen-Cinema under the bridge up to Fagba Junction,” Commissioner Wahab announced in his post.
