Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has initiated a vigorous search for suspected hoodlums who assaulted environmental enforcement officers during a routine operation at a popular restaurant on Victoria Island, in a development that has drawn sharp criticism from public officials and raised alarm over persistent attacks on government personnel.
The attack occurred on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, during a joint enforcement operation by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) — also known as Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) — at Yakoyo Abula Restaurants, located at No. 134 Sinari Daranijo Street, Victoria Island.
The enforcement team was on site to address environmental violations, specifically illegal discharge of untreated wastewater, fats and oils, which contravene state environmental standards and pose significant risks to public health and the surrounding water systems. Authorities say the restaurant had previously been sealed for such violations, but re-opened after allegedly breaking the government seal, triggering tensions that escalated into violence.
During the operation, the enforcement officers were met by a group of suspected hoodlums, reportedly unleashed by individuals affiliated with the restaurant’s management or staff. The assailants allegedly launched physical attacks, leaving four environmental officials injured, including one with a noticeable head wound visible in circulating footage. Officials reported that bottles and other objects were thrown at the officers as they attempted to carry out their duties.
In response to the incident, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, condemned the brutal assault as “a blatant violation of the law” and a direct challenge to the authority of the state. In a statement shared on the government’s official social media channels, Wahab emphasised that Lagos would not tolerate any form of aggression toward government officials executing lawful responsibilities.
“The restaurant not only broke the government seal, but they went further to unleash armed thugs on officials who were lawfully carrying out their duties. This crosses every line,” the Commissioner said, adding: “No one is above the law, and any attempt to intimidate government officials will be met with firm and immediate consequences.”
The state government has already arrested the restaurant’s supervisor and sealed the premises pending the outcome of investigations. Authorities have vowed that additional arrests will be made to identify and bring to justice all individuals involved in the attack.
The incident has provoked widespread concern in Lagos and beyond, as attacks on government officials engaged in enforcement operations erode public confidence and threaten efforts to uphold environmental laws. Lagos authorities assert that environmental enforcement is crucial for protecting public health, waterways and neighbourhoods from pollution and hazards. Under state law, businesses found in violation of environmental regulations can face stiff penalties, including sealing of premises and prosecution of responsible parties.
Officials have reiterated that violent resistance to lawful enforcement undermines community welfare and contributes to a culture of impunity. The Lagos government, therefore, underscores that assaulting public officers and obstructing official duties will be treated as serious criminal offences, with perpetrators prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
The Victoria Island attack is not the first time environmental enforcement officers or other state agents have encountered violent resistance while performing official functions. Past incidents have highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing regulatory enforcement with public safety in a densely populated and economically dynamic city like Lagos. In some previous cases, authorities have had to intervene when enforcement teams faced threats, illustrating the persistent risks that accompany efforts to maintain law and order in urban enforcement environments.
Civil society advocates and legal experts have weighed in on the incident, underscoring that while enforcement operations must be robust and visible, they also require adequate protection strategies to ensure the safety of officers in the field. Some commentators have stressed the need for enhanced coordination between environmental agencies, law enforcement, and business operators to pre-empt confrontations and reinforce compliance with regulations. Others argue that clearer communication with the public and better preparation prior to enforcement actions could reduce the likelihood of such violent outbreaks.
The Lagos State Government’s swift action in the aftermath of the attack — including sealing the restaurant, making an initial arrest, and pledging to hunt down additional suspects — signals a firm stance against lawlessness and intimidation of public officials. Authorities have called on residents and business owners to respect the rule of law and support enforcement efforts that protect community health and environmental quality.
Investigations are ongoing, with state security and law enforcement agencies collaborating to identify all individuals responsible for the assault. The government has appealed to anyone with information relating to the attack to come forward, affirming that such cooperation will aid in a comprehensive legal response.
As the manhunt continues, Lagos officials reaffirm that enforcement operations targeting environmental infractions and other public health breaches will proceed unabated, asserting that no business or individual will be allowed to obstruct lawful duties or endanger the safety of state officials.
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