By Peter Omopo
Suspected miscreants set parts of the Fagba railway corridor in Lagos ablaze on Thursday in an attempt to evade arrest during a clean-up enforcement operation by the Lagos State Taskforce.
The incident occurred during an early morning raid targeting criminal hideouts along the corridor and surrounding communities in the Agege axis, including Alfa Nla, Okekoto and Pen Cinema.
Authorities said the Fagba corridor had become a hotspot for criminal activities such as robbery, rape, cultism, drug trafficking and the operation of illegal brothels, with residents also reporting attacks on moving trains, including the stoning of passengers.
The operation, led by the Chairman of the Taskforce, Adetayo Akerele, was part of ongoing efforts to curb crime and environmental violations across the state.
Officials disclosed that the enforcement team encountered resistance at the corridor, where suspects allegedly set makeshift structures and parts of the rail line on fire to create confusion and facilitate their escape. The fire reportedly threatened nearby facilities, including a filling station and a commercial bank.
The situation was brought under control following the intervention of Taskforce operatives, supported by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which contained the blaze and prevented further damage.
Several suspects were arrested in connection with the incident and other alleged offences.
The Taskforce said those apprehended would be prosecuted in line with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
Speaking after the operation, Akerele warned youths against engaging in criminal activities and urged them to embrace lawful means of livelihood.
He added that the enforcement exercise forms part of sustained efforts by the state government to dismantle criminal enclaves and enhance public safety across Lagos.
