The Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) says it carried out an all-night raid to clear illegal structures and business centres under Apongbon Bridge, Lagos Island.

The agency’s spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, disclosed this on Monday in Lagos.

Mr Abdulraheem said the operation, carried out between Sunday night and Monday morning, was done in response to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive after opening the burnt Apongbon Bridge.

He said all traders were cleared from under the bridges to forestall the recurrence of any environmental mishap that could lead to the loss of lives and property.

The spokesperson said the operation was led by the agency’s chairman, Shola Jejeloye.

“The chairman appealed to all traders to relocate their activities to the complex provided by the state government and desist from carrying out activities that are counterproductive to the state,” he said.

Mr Abdulraheem pointed out that achieving mega city status as enshrined in the THEMES agenda of the state government was a collective effort, stressing that all hands must be on deck to ensure its sustenance.

He said the agency would carry out enforcement exercises daily to ensure it achieved its aim, warning that anyone going against the law would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

The spokesperson said the agency also carried out similar raids against traders who displayed their goods indiscriminately on the highways, roadsides, kerbs, and railway tracks across various parts of the metropolis.

He said the operation was carried out simultaneously at different places where they had sensitised the people and served them quit notice, especially those at the Oshodi rail track.

“Our warnings have been sent out to them for as long as two years, but they don’t listen. We served notices at Fagba, where some people built shanties and kiosks, from Fagba to Pen Cinema and Isokoko.

“Their trade on the roads has shortchanged motorists and pedestrians, who should enjoy free movement along that axis.

“It is completely unfair to all Lagos residents, and we will make sure that they are all cleared out with immediate effect,” he said.

(NAN)