Armed thugs with police escorts raze over 50 homes in Lagos, demand millions from residents

Hundreds of suspected land grabbers, backed by armed security operatives, stormed a residential community in Lagos State and demolished more than 50 buildings, leaving families homeless while extorting millions of naira from terrified homeowners in what experts are calling a brazen assault on property rights in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

The thugs invaded Surulere Community, Amikanle, near the Command area of Alimosho Local Government Area on January 27, 2026, demanding between ₦15 million and ₦25 million from homeowners, demolishing properties belonging to those who could not pay. No fewer than 50 buildings, including residential houses, shops and fences — were destroyed.

Residents said about 300 hoodlums stormed the community, claiming to be acting on court documents from the Federal Housing Authority authorising them to collect money for house renewal, with threats to demolish any property whose owner failed to pay. When a resident attempted to film the thugs on the first day of their operation, he was physically assaulted and nearly had his phone destroyed.

Residents accused the thugs of being backed by heavily armed Lagos State Taskforce operatives and SWAT police officers, who they alleged provided security cover while the demolitions were carried out. CDA Chairman Semiu Oladejo confirmed this, saying: “They came with around 300 hoodlums. The Nigeria Police should not give protection to thugs and land grabbers. Officers from Zone 2 and the Taskforce watched our properties being destroyed.”

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An affected resident alleged the operation was coordinated by a figure known locally as “Ejigbadero,” who rarely appeared publicly but directed activities through proxies. “This demolition started on January 28 and it’s still ongoing. Sadly, there are no signs that it will end anytime soon,” the resident said.

Despite the thugs invoking the Federal Housing Authority’s name, the agency distanced itself entirely. The FHA’s Southwest Zonal Manager Rekiya Sani wrote to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police stating that the January 27 demolition at FHA Estate Abesan was carried out without the agency’s knowledge or approval, and requested the immediate withdrawal of task force personnel from the estate.

Residents said efforts to obtain a court injunction against the demolition were being frustrated, with hearings repeatedly delayed and no date set.

Real estate CEO Israel Ihaza condemned the demolitions and called for transparency, structure and proper documentation, warning that incidents like this cause deep fear among local investors, diaspora Nigerians and developers. “Whenever a house is demolished, the damage goes far beyond bricks and mortar — it’s life savings, retirement plans, children’s school fees and stability. Fear slows economic growth. This is why enforcement and visible consequences matter,” he said.

The Lagos State Police Command had not issued a formal statement on the allegations of officer involvement at the time of publication.