Lagos Taskforce Cracks Down on Illegal Shanties, Roadside Stalls

The Lagos State Taskforce has undertaken a cleanup exercise along the Mile 2 Oke on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, removing illegal shanties, roadside vendors, and confiscating 2000 litres of petroleum products.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Agency’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Abdulraheem Gbadeyanka, the exercise was necessary to address the escalating challenges posed by roadside vendors and the proliferation of shanties in the area.

Gbadeyanka stated, “In recent months, the stretch of road along Mile 2 Oke has been plagued by illegal roadside activities that have contributed to severe traffic congestion, an alarming rise in traffic-related robberies, and an overall degradation of the environment.”

He added, “The spread of shanties has not only affected the free flow of traffic on that route but has also become a breeding ground for criminal activities, putting the lives and properties of motorists and commuters at risk.”

The agency discovered that roadside vendors were also dealing illegally in petroleum products, and the arrested suspects will be charged to court, and the recovered items will be confiscated. Gbadeyanka noted, “Among the most pressing issues addressed was the illegal sale of petrol and diesel by the roadside, where over 2000 litres of petroleum products were seized.”

He emphasized, “This is a highly dangerous practice that poses a significant risk of fire hazards and explosions. We will ensure that such activities that endanger the lives of these illegal merchants and other road users are brought to a complete halt.”