Lagos Tightens Security Ahead Of Festivities

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday met with security chiefs in the state to review security operations and strengthen measures ahead

of an expected surge in various forms of activities and engagements in Lagos in the coming months.

The meeting, held at the State House, Marina, focused on security activities and plans to reinforce the security apparatus, as the state prepares for an

influx of visitors, end-of-year festivities and increased political activity.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance that his administration would sustain efforts to prevent criminal activities and protect lives and property across the state.

Sanwo-Olu said, “We will not relent on our efforts to ensure that criminals don’t find a place for their evil activities in our state.”

The meeting comes as Lagos prepares to host President Bola Tinubu from Tuesday, while several religious, cultural and social activities are expected to

take place in the state during the festive period.

The state government also noted that political activities were beginning to intensify following the announcement by the Independent National Electoral

Commission on the commencement of campaigns.

 

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Those at the meeting included the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai; Commander, 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Brig. Gen. A.O. Owolabi; Commander, Nigerian Navy

Ship Beecroft, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu; and Commander, 651 Base Services Group, Ikeja, Air Commodore M.A. Imam.

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Ayodele Ogunsan, also attended the meeting.

Others present were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; and Attorney-General and

Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro.

The governor said the state would continue to work with security agencies to maintain a secure environment.

  

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Lagos Police Arrest Four Suspects Over Freeman Street Mob Action, As Jungle Justice Claims Driver's Life

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four suspects over a mob action which allegedly led to the death of one Basit Kolade following a road traffic incident on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.

Announcing their arrest in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the late Kolade was allegedly attacked by a group of individuals on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at about 10:40 p.m.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that Basit Kolade was travelling with his spouse, from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus Jeep, with registration number KSF 115 JZ, when a motorcycle allegedly collided with the vehicle from behind,” Adebisi stated.

“An argument reportedly ensued between both of them. In the course of the incident, the vehicle allegedly reversed and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall.

“This reportedly attracted a group of individuals in the area, who allegedly attacked Basit with dangerous weapons.

“His spouse was rescued by some women in the vicinity, while Kolade was rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was subsequently confirmed dead.

 

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“The motorcycle rider who was allegedly hit in the incident is, however, alive and currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.”

According to SP Adebisi, four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the attack.

They are Khalid Rafiq ‘m’ 20 years; Gafar Rahim ‘m’ 21 years; Ibrahim Azeez ‘m’ 33 years; and Samos Momoh ‘m’ 21 years.

Adebisi said efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other persons who allegedly participated in the attack.

The police spokesperson added that the command has commenced an investigation into the incident, which is being treated as a homicide case, and the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

“The command wishes to reiterate that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees every person the fundamental right to life under Section 33,” Adebisi said.

“The Constitution permits deprivation of life only in circumstances specifically recognised by law. Similarly, under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, unlawful killing constitutes an offence of homicide.

“The law provides that unlawful killing may amount to murder or manslaughter depending on the circumstances. In particular, the provisions on murder cover unlawful killing with the intention to kill or cause grievous harm, with the law prescribing severe punishment upon conviction.”

The Lagos State Police Command has warned members of the public against mob action, jungle justice, and the resort to self-help under any circumstance.

According to SP Adebisi, no individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, try, convict, or execute another person.

She explained that the warning is consistent with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, who has directed Police Commands to treat cases involving mob action resulting in death as homicide and warned that persons who participate in, organise, incite, or support such attacks will face the full weight of the law.

The Command has reiterated that suspicion or an allegation of wrongdoing does not confer on anyone the right to take the law into their own hands.

Members of the public have also been urged to promptly report criminal incidents to the police and allow the law to take its course.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has directed that all persons found culpable in the incident be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Fatai has also assured members of the public that the investigation will be thorough and professional, and that all persons found to have participated in the attack or otherwise contributed to the death will be made to face the law.

  

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Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA Chairman Seeks Stronger Community Policing As Wazobia Market Violence Claims Lives And Properties

The Executive Chairman of Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Abiodun Jimoh Isola, has condemned the violent incident that occurred at the WaZoBia Market, Ikola, Lagos, which resulted in loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property.

Isola, in a statement, expressed sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, the injured, as well as residents, traders and business owners affected by the crisis.

According to him, the incident occurred on Thursday, August 27, 2026, while he was attending the council’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting in Ikeja.

He stated that he received information at about 10:00 a.m. about a clash involving two factional groups of hoodlums in the Ikola axis and immediately left the meeting for the scene.

Isola said he simultaneously contacted relevant security authorities, including the Meiran Divisional Police Officer, Joint Task Force and Nigeria Forest Security Service, but received further reports that the situation had escalated.

 

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“Not long afterwards, I got another distressing update that the situation had escalated, resulting in loss of lives, injuries and the destruction of houses and other properties,” he said.

The chairman said he subsequently intensified contact with the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Area P Commander, the three divisional police officers covering Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA, the Fire Brigade Service and other relevant authorities.

He commended the security agencies for their prompt response, noting that their deployment of personnel to the affected area helped contain the crisis, prevent further escalation and restore calm.

Isola said a preliminary assessment indicated that a densely populated slum, largely comprising shanties and makeshift structures, had allegedly become a hideout for suspected criminals and a source of insecurity and nuisance to residents.

He added that reports indicated that the area had allegedly been associated with activities including drug dealing and consumption, open clubbing and other forms of community disturbance.

The council chairman, however, clarified that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) only demolished shanties and illegal structures erected under the powerline.

He said structures built under powerlines posed serious risks to lives and public safety by exposing occupants to electrical hazards, obstructing emergency access and complicating rescue operations during fires and other emergencies.

“The unfortunate casualties and loss of lives witnessed during this crisis further reinforce the need to prevent people from living or operating businesses in unsafe and prohibited locations.

“Government has a responsibility to protect lives, and dangerous illegal structures must be removed in accordance with the law and public-safety requirements,” he said.

Isola specifically commended the Commissioner of Police for the prompt intervention and deployment of the Lagos Tactical Team, Rapid Response Squad and other security formations to the area.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Area P Commander, Divisional Police Officers of Meiran, Oke-Odo and Alagbado divisions, Lagos State Task Force, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LASEMA and the Nigerian Army Dog Centre.

He also commended local vigilante groups, Community Development Committees, Christian Association of Nigeria, the Council of League of Imams, traditional institutions and community leaders for their role in calming tensions and restoring peace.

The chairman said he personally addressed residents during the security operation, assuring them that the council would continue to work with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure lasting peace in the area.

  

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Police Restore Calm After Clash Leaves Three Dead, Houses Burnt In Alimosho

The Lagos State Police Command has restored calm in the Ikola community, located in the Alimosho axis of the state following a violent confrontation that left three people dead and two others injured on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the command deployed personnel from various tactical and specialised units to the area to maintain law and order and prevent further escalation of the violence.

The clash, which also led to some buildings being set ablaze, broke out after some suspected area boys allegedly stopped a tricycle rider and demanded ₦200 from him.

The rider reportedly refused to pay, prompting the group to allegedly seize his tricycle. He later returned with some persons, leading to a violent confrontation between the two groups.

The deceased and injured persons were subsequently taken to the Military Hospital, Yaba, for necessary medical attention and other procedures, according to the police.

“Preliminary information indicates that trouble started when some suspected area boys allegedly stopped a tricycle rider and demanded the sum of ₦200. The rider reportedly refused to pay, following which the tricycle was allegedly seized by the group.

“The rider subsequently returned with some persons, leading to a violent confrontation between the two groups. Sadly, three (3) persons were reportedly killed, while two (2) others sustained injuries. Some buildings were also reportedly set ablaze during the ensuing violence”, the statement partly read.

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The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, accompanied by the Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Afolabi Owolabi, visited the scene to assess the situation and coordinate the security response.

The police said operatives from the Rapid Response Squad, Task Force, Tactical Squad, Police Mobile Force, Eko Strike Force and the Violence and Cultism Response Unit had been deployed to the area.

“Operatives of the Command comprising personnel of the RRS, Taskforce, Tactical Squad, PMF, Eko Strike Force, and VCRU have been deployed to the area and are currently maintaining law and order. The situation is firmly under control, and efforts are ongoing to prevent any further escalation”, the statement continued.

The command said it had commenced an investigation into the incident and would ensure that anyone found culpable faced the full weight of the law.

“The Command has commenced an investigation into the incident and will ensure that anyone found culpable is made to face the full weight of the law”, it added.

The police urged residents to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information and avoid actions capable of further escalating the situation. It also appealed to residents to provide credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and avoid actions capable of further escalating the situation. Residents are also encouraged to provide the Police with credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation”, the statement concluded.

  

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Police Rescue Two Colombian Women Held Captive By Chinese Traffickers In Lagos

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, Lagos Annex, have rescued two Colombian nationals allegedly lured to Nigeria and held captive by a human trafficking syndicate.

The victims, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were rescued following actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement released on Saturday.

According to the statement, the two women were “fraudulently lured to Nigeria, held against their will, and had their travel documents confiscated” by some Chinese nationals, who are currently at large.

The statement said the police launched a covert tracking operation immediately after receiving the intelligence.

It added that the operatives located the hideout in Lagos and rescued the victims “on the same day.”

The statement read in part, “Upon receipt of the intelligence, police operatives promptly launched a covert tracking operation, locating the hideout in Lagos where both victims were safely rescued on the same day.”

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According to the police, the suspects fled the location when they noticed the approaching operatives.

“The fleeing suspects abandoned the location upon sighting the approaching team, and efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest all members of the syndicate,” the statement said.

The police said the rescued Colombian nationals were currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support.

“The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support,” the statement added.

The statement further disclosed that the Colombian Embassy in Accra was collaborating with the National Central Bureau to facilitate the victims’ return to their country.

“The Colombian Embassy in Accra is working in close collaboration with the Bureau to secure hotel accommodations for the victims and arrange emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return to Bogotá,” it said.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the police to protecting residents and strengthening international cooperation against transnational crimes.

The statement said Disu “reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents within the country, while deepening collaboration with i

  

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Lagos Police Arrest 10 Vandals Over Theft Of 1,800 Manholes On Coastal Highway

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects allegedly linked to the repeated vandalism and theft of public infrastructure on the newly constructed Lagos Coastal Road.

The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing and parade of suspects at the command headquarters, Ikeja.

He said the suspects were arrested on August 17, 2026, following intelligence gathered during investigations into the vandalism of the road infrastructure.

The CP added that vandalised iron materials were recovered from the suspects during the arrest.

He identified the suspects as Courage Ogbemudiah, 19; Michael Janes, 25; Muhammed Mustapha, 25; Muyideen Ola, 32; Emmanuel James, 18; Tadious Nanius, 28; Anthony Nucase, 23; Makinde Muize, 30; Bolaji Raji, 30; and Waliu Kabiru, 28.

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“Vandalised iron materials were recovered during the operation. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are linked to the incessant vandalism of the Coastal Road infrastructure. The suspects have also made statements regarding their alleged involvement in the offence,” the police boss added.

He also noted that the command was working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for the continued destruction and theft of public infrastructure are brought to justice.

Tijani said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects were connected to the incessant vandalism of the Coastal Road infrastructure and had made statements regarding their alleged involvement.

“The command is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for the continued destruction and theft of public infrastructure are brought to justice,” he said.

In a related development, the CP said a 28-year-old man, Chidiebere Ochiri, was arrested for allegedly vandalising and stealing government-installed CCTV camera cables, irons and other infrastructure on the Third Mainland Bridge.

He said, “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the vandalisation and carted away cables connecting CCTV cameras, and some irons installed along the bridge and its environs. The suspect further stated that he had been involved in the activity for several months and usually sold the vandalised copper wires to scavengers and scrap dealers at about N12,000 per kilogramme. One quantity of copper wire was recovered as an exhibit.”

Tijani said the investigation was ongoing to arrest the suspect’s alleged accomplice.

Meanwhile, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, who represented the Minister of Works and Housing, Dave Umahi, disclosed the extent of the damage suffered by the coastal road project.

Dare said no fewer than 1,800 manhole covers had been stolen from the superhighway between January and August 2026.

He explained that the manhole covers formed part of the underground drainage system constructed along the road, adding that vandals break the concrete covers to remove the reinforcing irons inside them.

Dare added that the vandals had also removed about 1,000 metres of the clear-view fence installed on both sides of the road to separate the highway from surrounding communities.

He said, “If you go to Coastal Road, the drainage system we have there is an underground drainage system, but at the ground level of it, you have what we call manhole covers.

“We use manholes to cover the drainage. So what happened is that between January and now, we have 1,800 of these manholes that have been stolen- 1,800 of them- and what they do, what these vandals do, is to break the concrete cover and remove the reinforcement that is in it.

“You know that this manhole is just small; it’s less than one metre by one metre, and so when they remove the concrete, they break it and remove the iron that is inside. That is not all. We have this clear view fence.

 “If you go to Coastal Road, on both sides, it’s made of iron. Clear view fence on the right-hand side, clear view fence on the left-hand side to screen the community away from the Coastal Road. So we have a situation whereby these criminal elements, they go there, and they remove. And between January and now, 1,000 metres, which is one kilometre, of this clear view fence have been vandalised, have been taken away.”

Dare added that about 75 directional signs installed along the road had also been cut down and stolen.

The Federal Controller expressed concern over the continued vandalism, saying the destruction of the infrastructure was undermining the purpose of the newly constructed road.

He said the authorities were concerned about the scale of the vandalism and were working with the police to address the situation.

“We will not relent on our horse. We will not watch as these criminal elements, these few criminal elements, come and disturb what the federal government is doing. A lot of money is being pumped into that project.

 “We all know, in trillions, that’s the truth, not billions, in trillions, from here to Calabar. And so, some people are determined to come and vandalise some of this. It is impossible.

 “Again and again, I would want to thank the Lagos State Commissioner very, very highly for deploying men and women, vehicles, in addition to the few we also have there; they deployed their vehicles, they deployed the men of the Nigerian police there, to ensure that these criminal elements are brought to hook. Day and night, they are there on the road,” he added.

  

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Customs Intercept Rifles, Cannabis Snacks Worth N374 Million At Tin Can Port

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products worth N373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this at a news conference while highlighting major enforcement operations carried out by the TinCan Island Port Command.

Adeniyi said customs operatives intercepted a container on July 8 carrying concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles.

He said 140 rifles had so far been assembled from the recovered parts, while the assembly of the remaining components was still ongoing.

According to him, one principal suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while attempting to facilitate the container’s release.

He said financial and telecommunications evidence linked the suspect to the shipment.

The CGC said two suspects were in custody assisting investigations, while another principal suspect remained at large and was being tracked by security operatives.

 

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Adeniyi also said customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers laden with cannabis-infused products concealed among imported goods, including vehicles, generators, batteries and fabrics.

He explained that the seized drugs comprised 8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at N308.7 million.

He added that officers recovered 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2kg and valued at N40.7 million, as well as 873 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies in 442 packs weighing 309.4kg and valued at N24.3 million.

According to him, the total street value of the seized drugs is N373.8 million.

Adeniyi warned that the products were attractively packaged with flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine and peach pie to resemble ordinary snacks and appeal to children, students and other young people.

He said unsuspecting consumers could ingest the products due to their deceptive packaging.

The customs boss commended the Area Controller of TinCan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and officers of the enforcement unit for their vigilance and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders and prosecuting those involved in the trafficking of illicit arms and dangerous drugs.

Adeniyi also commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for its collaboration and urged Nigerians to provide credible intelligence to support anti-smuggling operations.

Receiving the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA TinCan Strategic Command, Mr Augustine Adewunmi, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and smoothies as an emerging threat to public safety.

Adewunmi said the products, imported from the United States, were packaged as vegan snacks with flavours such as citrus, vanilla and peach to deceive unsuspecting consumers.

He warned that the products were designed to appeal to children, students and club users, increasing the risk of accidental drug consumption.

The NDLEA commander said two suspects were in custody while investigations continued.

He urged parents, schools and members of the public to remain vigilant, warning that ingesting the products delivered concentrated cannabis directly into the body.

NAN

  

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How Over 400 Suspected Land Grabbers Invaded Alimosho Estates, Extorting Residents And Vandalising Property

Residents of Santos Layout, Valley Estate and adjoining communities in the Alimosho area of Lagos State have accused suspected land grabbers and hundreds of armed thugs of unleashing terror on their neighbourhood while enforcing a disputed court judgment.

The residents alleged that homes and businesses were vandalised during the operation.

They claimed that shops were sealed, buildings damaged and property destroyed during the three-day operation.

Speaking with news men , a resident, Funmilola Ajayi, alleged that several shops and business premises were forcibly shut, while the roofs of some structures were removed.

“The thugs were very violent when they came into the area on Thursday. They locked some shops and removed the roofs of several buildings, including a sawmill. Some owners who settled them have reopened their businesses, while those who refused to pay still have their shops locked,” she alleged.

The auditor of the Santos Layout Phase 1 Residents’ Association, Saburi Odunmbaku, maintained that the estate was lawfully established and approved by the Lagos State Government in 1976.

According to him, neither the estate nor its residents were parties to the court case being relied upon by those enforcing the judgment.

“Santos Layout was approved by the Lagos State Government in 1976, and over 300 houses were built with government approval. We were never parties to the suit from which these people claim to have obtained judgment.

“We did not derive our title from them. If there is any dispute, let everyone return to court. Someone cannot wake up after we have lived here for over 15 years and ask us to vacate our homes because of a judgment in a case we knew nothing about,” he said.

Odunmbaku said the enforcement affected Santos Layout Phases 1 and 2, Valley Estate, Ajimotoko, Alimotu, Aluminium Village and other adjoining communities, adding that some banks and business premises were also shut.

He further alleged that about 400 armed thugs stormed the communities during the operation.

 

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“They came in their hundreds. They were violent, armed with bottles and smoking openly. Anyone who questioned or challenged them was beaten.

“There was even a journalist they assaulted. Whenever they saw residents recording videos, they seized their phones and smashed them. That was what happened on Thursday and Friday.

“The police were there throughout. We were told they had been deployed to maintain peace and order, but the hoodlums carried on with the attacks. The situation remained tense from Thursday to Saturday before it eventually calmed down,” he alleged.

The suspected thugs were also alleged to have assaulted The Guardian correspondent, Eniola Daniel, and forced him to delete footage during the operation.

Residents further claimed that other journalists at the scene were forced to flee for safety.

In a video obtained by PUNCH Metro, another resident accused the suspected thugs of invading homes and destroying property indiscriminately.

“These people are entering our houses and breaking our gates without restraint. Is it until they start sleeping with our wives before the government acts? We don’t trust the police or the military anymore. They even told us the courts are not sitting now, so what are we supposed to do? We are begging the government to come to our aid. Some of the hoodlums came with bottles, and some even carried guns apart from the police officers who were there,” the resident said.

Another resident, Oshobodu Oluwabukola, said the community had sought the intervention of the lawmaker representing the area but claimed the attacks continued despite assurances.

According to her, the suspected thugs returned the following day in larger numbers and removed one of the estate’s gates.

“We met Honourable Akin-Johnson, and he asked us to be patient while he looked into the matter with his legal team. But despite that, they returned. We have videos and pictures of them.

“They vandalised houses in Valley Estate and Santos Layout and even carted away an entire gate. This morning they returned in even larger numbers. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu should please come to our rescue. We bought our land legally, we live here and we have Certificates of Occupancy. Please help us,” she pleaded.

Another video seen by PUNCH Metro showed suspected thugs pulling down the gate of one of the properties while moving around the premises in large numbers.

A woman, whose voice was heard in the footage, raised the alarm as she accused the invaders of damaging her property and taking away some of her belongings.

“They came to our compound and broke the fence and gate of our house, which has a Certificate of Occupancy,” she lamented.

The woman was also seen struggling with one of the suspected invaders over a shovel he allegedly attempted to remove from the compound.

However, the attorney to the Yaku family, Alhaji Hassan Ali, dismissed the residents’ allegations, insisting that the operation was a lawful execution of a valid court judgment carried out by court officials.

Ali told PUNCH Metro that the Yaku family had been involved in litigation over the disputed land for several years and eventually secured judgment in its favour, making it the lawful owner of the property.

“This is purely a judgment enforcement issue. The Yaku family are the judgment creditors. They won the case against some other families and subsequently obtained an order for possession from the court.

“It was the court sheriff who took possession and locked the affected properties. Whoever owns the land owns everything on it. If anyone believes they have a better title than the Yaku family, they should challenge the judgment in court because all the relevant documents are available,” he said.

The lawyer also dismissed allegations of violence and intimidation during the enforcement, describing the operation as peaceful.

“They can say whatever they like, but the owner of the land is the Yaku family. This was a lawful execution of a court judgment and a peaceful possession exercise,” he said.

Ali further denied claims that a journalist was assaulted during the operation.

“There is nothing like that. The journalist was not assaulted by anyone enforcing the judgment. He was challenged by one of the residents while making a video. Reports alleging that enforcement officials attacked him are false,” he added.

He maintained that any aggrieved party should seek legal redress rather than challenge the court-backed enforcement.

  

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Customs Intercepts Expired Vape Worth Over N800 Million In Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service’s Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command said it intercepted a 40-foot container, registration number TIIU4739360, loaded with expired disposable vapes during a thorough cargo examination, with a total duty-paid value of N809.6m

The Acting Customs Area Controller in charge of KLT Command, Bolaji Adigun, announced this during a press briefing at the command recently.

Adigun also highlighted the command’s revenue performance for June 2026, announcing that the KLT Area Command generated a total revenue of N19.4bn in June 2026, as against the total sum of N14.3bn generated in the corresponding period of June 2025.

“This reflects an increase of N5.041bn, representing a 35 per cent increase. In furtherance of this mandate, officers of the command, through diligent cargo examination, intercepted a 40-foot container with container number TIIU4739360 containing expired disposable vape with a total duty-paid value of N809.6m,” Adigun said.

 

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Adigun explained that physical examination of the container revealed 18 pallets of disposable vape products.

He added that each pallet contained 60 cartons, with some cartons containing 20 packs and others 40 packs, respectively.

“Each pack contained 10 pieces, bringing the total quantity to 484 cartons and 182,340 pieces. Further examination established that the products had different expiry dates of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively, rendering them unfit for use and posing a potential risk to public health,” he added.

The CAC stressed it had commenced the process of handing over the seized items to the appropriate government agency for further regulatory action and proper disposal in line with established procedures and the command’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration.

He attributed the achievement to the dedication of officers and men of the command, improved stakeholder compliance, enhanced trade facilitation, and the deployment of intelligence-driven strategies.

Adigun stated that the command remains committed to its statutory responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities, adding that the briefing was an opportunity to present the command’s performance and highlight significant achievements recorded in the Enforcement Unit.

He said the command remains dedicated to facilitating legitimate trade and boosting revenue generation while maintaining a strong enforcement stance to protect the nation’s economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Adigun noted that the interception demonstrates the vigilance, professionalism, and commitment of the officers and men of the command in enforcing extant laws and preventing unsafe and non-compliant goods from entering the Nigerian market.

He urged importers, licensed customs agents, and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with all applicable import regulations.

The CAC also encouraged licensed customs agents and importers to take advantage of the NCS’s Authorised Economic Operator Programme and the Advance Ruling System, which are designed to promote trade facilitation, enhance compliance, provide greater predictability in customs processes, and improve the ease of doing business.

He also assured that the command will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations, effective risk management, and stringent cargo examination procedures to detect and intercept expired, falsely declared, prohibited, and other non-compliant goods while contributing to national economic growth, public health, and security.

Adigun expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their visionary leadership and strategic guidance.

He also commended the officers and men of the command for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to duty, which have continued to translate into outstanding operational achievements.

The Acting CAC further appreciated stakeholders, including licensed customs agents, terminal operators, importers, and the compliant trading community, for their cooperation and adherence to extant laws and regulations.

He equally acknowledged the invaluable support of partner government agencies, whose collaboration strengthens collective efforts in protecting the nation’s economy, securing borders, and safeguarding public health.

Adigun reaffirmed the command’s commitment to consolidating achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities while remaining steadfast in protecting the nation’s economy and improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.

  

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