Suspected miscreants and street urchins on Thursday set parts of the Fagba railway corridor in Lagos ablaze while trying to evade arrest during a clean-up operation by the Lagos State Taskforce.
The incident occurred during an early morning raid targeting criminal hideouts along the corridor and adjoining communities in the Agege axis, including Alfa Nla, Okekoto, and Pen Cinema.
The Taskforce said the corridor had become a hub for criminal activities, including robbery, rape, cultism, drug peddling, and illegal brothels allegedly involving minors. Residents also reported attacks on moving trains, including stoning of passengers.
The coordinated operation, led by Taskforce Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele, faced resistance as some suspects set makeshift structures and parts of the rail corridor on fire to create confusion and escape. The blaze threatened nearby facilities, including a filling station and a commercial bank.
The situation was brought under control with the help of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, preventing further damage. Several suspects were arrested and will be prosecuted under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
Akerele warned youths against criminal activities, urging them to channel their energy into lawful and productive ventures. He said the enforcement was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal enclaves and restore public safety across the state.
