LASTMA Costain demolition uncovers a fake gun as Lagos officials clear illegal shanties to restore order and reclaim public space

The LASTMA Costain demolition has taken a surprising twist after operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority discovered a fake gun believed to have been used to intimidate residents during a clearance exercise at Costain Bus Stop in Surulere.

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The wooden AK-47 dummy was found inside one of several makeshift shanties demolished by officials reclaiming public spaces behind the bus stop and along the railway setback.

Authorities said the shanties, built illegally under the bridge, were obstructing designated transport areas.

Speaking to journalists, Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, described the discovery as worrying and said the demolition was carried out to restore order and relocate commercial vehicles to the cleared space.

“We found a locally made wooden gun, and that means they were perpetrating criminal activities here. The government cannot sit down and allow this to go on,” Giwa said.

He noted that the reclaimed land had been reserved for use as a bus park, stressing that the state would not tolerate lawlessness.

Giwa further explained that the LASTMA Costain demolition was part of ongoing efforts to clear illegal settlements and improve traffic management across Lagos.

He attributed the rapid spread of shanties to the growing influx of migrants who arrive in the city without proper accommodation.

“Lagos is attracting people because of its progress, but many come unprepared and occupy open spaces. As a responsive government, we are reclaiming these areas,” he added.

While the operation has been hailed as necessary by officials, displaced residents have appealed for support from the government.

One of them, Ngozi, said she moved into the shanty six months ago after her former home in Ijora was demolished.

“I sell abacha, and my business depends on buying ingredients nearby at Oyingbo. I have no husband and no means to rent elsewhere. The government should please help us,” she pleaded.

Another occupant alleged that certain individuals had been collecting rent between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 from those living in the shanties, claiming the so-called landlords disappeared after the demolition notice was issued.

The joint operation involved officers from the Police, Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

According to Giwa, the cleared space will now serve as a proper bus park and will later accommodate a BRT terminal, a move he described as vital for maintaining law and order.

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The LASTMA Costain demolition forms part of the state government’s wider urban renewal drive, aimed at improving safety, easing congestion, and promoting environmental discipline across Lagos.