The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce has arrested 20 suspects in a focused operation targeting illicit drug activities in Gowon Estate and Egbeda, recovering various substances and cash believed to be proceeds of crime.
The raids, conducted on Tuesday, targeted well-known black spots including 31 Road intersection, Wole Omo-Osho, and Idoani Streets in Gowon Estate, as well as the Egbeda market area along Egbeda-Idimu Road.
According to the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the operation led to the complete demolition of makeshift stalls at the junction of Idoani Street, which intelligence reports had identified as hubs for drug sales and consumption.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, praised the enforcement via his official X handle on Wednesday, warning criminal elements hiding behind informal trading.
“In a swift enforcement operation yesterday, our Environmental Taskforce team dismantled makeshift structures in dark spots used for peddling illicit drugs around Gowon Estate and Egbeda. 20 suspects were arrested, and various illicit substances and cash were recovered. These criminal hideouts will no longer be tolerated in Lagos State,” he wrote.
Wahab emphasized the state's zero tolerance for criminal activities, stating that the government's commitment to reclaiming and securing Lagos for law-abiding citizens remains strong.
The taskforce confirmed that all arrested suspects will be prosecuted, and similar operations will continue to sanitize public spaces and dismantle criminal networks exploiting informal settlements.
Wahab also urged residents to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities in support of the state's efforts to maintain security and public safety.
