The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), commonly known as KAI, demolished 138 shanties along the canal bank in Ajao Estate on Thursday.
In a video shared by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, it was revealed that occupants of the demolished structures had been paying annual rents ranging from ₦60,000 to ₦100,000.
“In continuation of concerted measures to reduce the scourge of environmental infractions and illegal encampment in public spaces, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, on Thursday demolished 138 shanties around the canal bank in Ajao Estate Canal where illegal occupants pay between N60,000 to N100,000 rent,” he said.
In the same vein on Wednesday, a total of 94 persons were arrested during a midnight operation on rail track squatters in the state.
According to Wahab, the arrest followed complaints from citizens about illegal squatters, miscreants, and suspected criminal activities along rail track corridors.
Wahad said a locally fabricated short gun, several wraps of illicit substances suspected to be Indian hemp, charms, and a jackknife were recovered from the suspects.
He wrote, “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.
“Ninety-four suspects were arrested during the operation, and a locally fabricated short gun, several wraps of illicit substances suspected to be Indian hemp, charms, and a jackknife were recovered.
“The suspects will be charged in court accordingly.”