Five Suspects Arrested as Lagos Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Dredging, Reclaimed Sites in Lekki

By Daniji Emmanuel
The Lagos State Government has intensified its clampdown on illegal dredging and land reclamation activities in Lekki, sealing multiple sites and arresting five suspects during a recent monitoring exercise.
The operation was led by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, in collaboration with the Ministries of Physical Planning, Environment and Water Resources, and the Lands Bureau. It focused on sites threatening the Lagos Lagoon and surrounding waterfront communities.
One of the major targets was a property at 13A Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase I, sealed for unauthorised reclamation and illegal fence extensions. Despite several past enforcement actions, the owners allegedly persisted with construction and even hosted social events at the property.
Hon. Alebiosu described the defiance as “legendary audacity,” stressing that offenders would face prosecution and risk forfeiture of the reclaimed land.
Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, disclosed that while the owner had approval for 1,200sqm, the site was illegally expanded to 8,000sqm. “We will revoke all authorities they have on this land. Construction is incomplete, yet they are hosting parties there, putting lives at risk,” he warned.
At the Lekki Foreshore, the team uncovered several illegal dredging operations, some extending up to 7km into the lagoon; all without Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). Five suspects were arrested on-site, while others fled on sighting the enforcement team.
Officials highlighted the dangers posed by such activities, including blocked waterways, ecosystem disruption, and the rise of shanty settlements that often serve as criminal hideouts.
“These operations are illegal and will not be tolerated,” Alebiosu reiterated. “Lagos will no longer condone reckless abuse of its waterfronts.”
The crackdown follows the recently concluded Lagos Waterfront Summit, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledged a tougher stance against illegal reclamation in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda to protect lives, property, and the environment.
Other senior officials on the monitoring team included the Executive Secretary of the Lands Bureau, Lolade Ajetumobi, and the General Manager of LAGESC, Major Olaniyi Cole (Rtd).