Chaos in Victoria Island as Hoodlums Attack Lagos Environmental Officials During Wastewater Enforcement

A routine enforcement operation turned violent on Wednesday after hoodlums attacked Lagos environmental officers at a popular restaurant in Victoria Island. Four officials from the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) were assaulted while attempting to enforce regulations on illegal wastewater discharge.

The incident occurred at Yakoyo Abula Restaurants on Sinari Daranijo Street, where authorities say the management had previously been sanctioned for releasing untreated wastewater, fats, and oils into the environment. The premises had been officially sealed—but officials discovered that the seal had been broken, prompting the joint task force to revisit the location.

According to Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the situation escalated when the restaurant allegedly mobilised armed thugs to attack the enforcement team.

“The Yakoyo restaurant not only broke the government’s seal but also unleashed armed thugs on officials performing their duties. This crosses every line,” Wahab wrote on X, condemning the assault.

He warned that attacks on government workers would attract swift and severe consequences, stressing that Lagos State would not tolerate attempts to intimidate or obstruct public officers.

“Any individual or business that assaults, obstructs, or threatens government officers on duty will face decisive action. Affected premises will be sealed, and perpetrators will be prosecuted,” he said.

Authorities have since arrested the restaurant supervisor, sealed the establishment, and launched a wider manhunt for all individuals involved. Investigators say additional arrests are expected as evidence is reviewed.

Wahab maintained that the state remains committed to enforcing environmental laws without fear or favour. “We will not allow lawlessness to take root in Lagos. No one is above the law,” he said.

The attack has intensified discussions about the increasing resistance environmental officers face across Lagos, especially during enforcement operations targeting pollution hotspots.