Officials of the Lagos State Task Force, supported by the Nigerian police force, carried out an enforcement operation around the central business district in Alausa, Lagos.
The operation targeted roadside vendors operating in the vicinity of the Nigeria Immigration Service office in Alausa and neighbouring roads, resulting in the demolition of temporary stalls and the dispersal of vendors. The incident incited panic among business operators, residents, and visitors. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with vendors hurriedly attempting to salvage their goods as enforcement officers proceeded through the area.
Correspondents from Trade FM who visited the scene collected testimonials from several eyewitnesses, many of whom indicated that the affected vendors had previously received warnings against conducting commercial activities around the immigration office.
According to some witnesses, the vendors were issued a final notice the day before the operation, informing them that they would no longer be permitted to operate in the area. Nevertheless, many reportedly returned to their usual locations on Wednesday, prompting the enforcement action.
Furthermore, an eyewitness alleged that the operation may have been prompted by the visit of an influential individual to the immigration office on Tuesday, during which access to certain parts of the road was reportedly restricted. The individual’s visit purportedly drew attention to the activities of roadside vendors near the facility.
Trade FM has not independently verified this assertion, and no official confirmation has been provided linking the operation to the alleged visit.
The enforcement also resulted in several arrests. Witnesses conveyed to Trade FM that several individuals were detained in a police vehicle commonly referred to as a “Black Maria.” Some witnesses also claimed that several vehicles parked in the vicinity were towed away by enforcement officials after being allegedly identified as illegally parked.
While some residents acknowledged the government’s right to uphold environmental and public order regulations, others questioned the method employed during the operation.
Taiwo Alabi, an eyewithness of the enforcement operation, alleged that some innocent individuals, not directly involved in roadside trading, were apprehended during the exercise. The witness urged security agencies to ensure that future enforcement operations target only those found to violate the law.
The clearance has left many vendors assessing their losses, with several stating that they have lost both their temporary business structures and their livelihoods. The operation disrupted commercial activities for several hours as onlookers gathered to observe the unfolding events.
As of the time of this report, neither the Lagos State Task Force nor the Nigeria Immigration Service has issued an official statement explaining the operation or addressing the allegations raised by witnesses.
Trade FM will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as further information becomes available from the relevant authorities
