Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade has intensified its campaign against illegal street trading and environmental violations, carrying out a sweeping enforcement and decongestion exercise across several major markets in the state on Monday, 13 July 2026. The operation, which targeted traders displaying goods on roads, walkways and other unauthorised public spaces, covered markets in Ogidi, Afor Igwe Umunnachi, Oye Agu Abagana, Nkpor and surrounding areas, according to a report by Punch.
During the exercise, officials demolished several shanties and illegal structures that were obstructing drainage channels and public spaces. Goods displayed in violation of the state's environmental regulations were also confiscated. The enforcement was aimed at sanitising the affected areas and discouraging residents, traders and developers from continuing the dangerous and unlawful practice of building or operating businesses within restricted corridors.
Speaking during the exercise, the Managing Director of the OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, said the operation forms part of the agency's mandate to protect lives, public infrastructure and the environment. "The action is part of the agency's responsibility to protect lives and public infrastructure. Illegal shanties erected on roadsides and public property are the target," he said. He noted that the exercise targeted traders displaying goods on roads, walkways and other unauthorised public spaces, as well as illegal structures obstructing the free flow of traffic and pedestrians.
Anere issued a firm warning to individuals and groups involved in illegal construction, roadside trading and encroachment on government land, noting that such activities undermine public safety, obstruct traffic, damage the environment and erode the city's orderliness. He stressed that the enforcement would continue in different parts of the state as part of the government's commitment to keeping Anambra clean, safe and orderly. "Traders and business owners are therefore advised to conduct their businesses only in approved markets and designated trading areas," he said. "They are also urged to desist from displaying goods on roads, drainages and walkways or erecting illegal structures, as defaulters will continue to face enforcement actions in accordance with the laws of Anambra State."
The exercise is part of broader enforcement activities aimed at maintaining order in commercial areas across Anambra State and preventing unauthorised developments that compromise public safety. It comes amid the Anambra State Government's sustained efforts to reclaim public spaces and enforce environmental laws under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, whose administration has been intentional about restoring and repositioning the state as a destination hub. Similar enforcement operations have been carried out in recent months, including a February 2026 exercise in and around Mgbuka Obosi Market, where several shanties and illegal structures located directly under high-tension cables were demolished. The government has also issued demolition notices and deadlines for the removal of illegal structures in Nnewi, the state's industrial and commercial hub, as part of a broader crackdown on physical planning violations.
The OCHA Brigade has consistently warned that illegal roadside trading, unauthorised construction and encroachment on government land contribute to traffic congestion, environmental degradation and safety risks. The agency has urged traders and business owners to conduct their activities only within approved markets and designated trading areas, warning that anyone found displaying goods on roads, drainage channels or walkways would continue to face enforcement actions in line with the state's environmental laws.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments