Ikeja LG demolishes criminal hideouts, recovers guns and weapons

2026-03-01 - 18:46

By Olasunkanmi Akoni IKEJA – The Ikeja Local Government Council in Lagos State has demolished shanties reportedly used by criminals as hideouts along Alade Market and Obafemi Awolowo Way, recovering firearms, knives, axes, charms, and other dangerous items in the process. The recovered weapons were handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation. The enforcement operation, led by Council Chairman Akeem Olalekan Dauda, also known as AKOD, involved council officials and environmental officers who targeted makeshift structures built along road setbacks. Intelligence reports indicated that the shanties were frequently used by criminals to rob motorists and pedestrians both during the day and at night. “The operation commenced at Alade, off Awolowo Road, where illegal structures in violation of environmental and urban planning laws were removed. These structures not only defaced the environment but also posed health, security, and safety risks to residents and passersby,” Dauda said. He added that several businesses violating environmental regulations, including improper waste disposal and setback encroachment, were issued warnings and compliance notices during the exercise. The council emphasized that the exercise aligns with the “E” Pillar (Environment) of the I.K.E.J.A Agenda, a development blueprint aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, urban renewal, public health, and strict sanitation enforcement. Dauda stressed the administration’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and organized Ikeja, vowing to sustain and intensify monitoring and enforcement operations across the local government area. Members of the enforcement team included Vice Chairman Abisola Omisore, Chief of Staff Chief Adeniyi Adeyi, and councillors representing Wards B to F in Ikeja Local Government.