Chaos in Lagos as suspected hoodlums set Fagba rail Corridor ablaze

Tension flared on Thursday in parts of the Fagba railway corridor in Lagos after suspected miscreants and street urchins reportedly set sections of the area on fire while trying to evade arrest during an enforcement operation by the Lagos State Taskforce.

The incident happened during an early morning raid aimed at clearing criminal hideouts along the corridor and nearby communities in the Agege axis, including Alfa Nla, Okekoto and Pen Cinema.

According to the Taskforce, the railway corridor had become a hotspot for various criminal activities such as robbery, rape, cultism and drug trafficking. Authorities also alleged that illegal brothels, reportedly involving underage persons, were operating within the area.

Residents had earlier raised concerns about insecurity in the corridor, especially frequent attacks on moving trains, including incidents where passengers were reportedly stoned.

Acting on these concerns, the agency launched a coordinated operation led by its Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, as part of its zero tolerance campaign against crime and environmental infractions.

Officials said the operation met resistance at the Fagba corridor, where some suspects reportedly set makeshift structures and parts of the rail corridor on fire to create confusion and escape arrest. The fire threatened nearby facilities, including a filling station and a commercial bank in the area.

The situation, however, was brought under control following the intervention of operatives of the Taskforce, with support from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which contained the blaze and prevented further damage.

Several suspects were arrested in connection with the arson and other alleged offences.

The Taskforce said those apprehended would be prosecuted in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

Akerele, who spoke after the operation, warned youths against engaging in criminal activities.

“Crime is not a career. We urge young people to channel their energy into lawful and productive ventures,” he said.

He added that the enforcement was part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal enclaves and restore public safety across the state.

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