Lagos’s Eviction Crisis: A Looming Threat to Urban Security
Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, faces a growing paradox. While striving for development and modernization, it’s simultaneously fueling insecurity through large-scale, often violent, forced evictions. Recent demolitions in Makoko, and ongoing issues in areas like Oworonshoki, highlight a decades-long pattern of displacement that’s exacerbating urban poverty and driving up crime rates.
A History of Displacement: From Maroko to Makoko
The practice of forced evictions in Lagos is not new. From 1973 to 2024, 91 such evictions have directly impacted over two million residents. The 1990 Maroko eviction, displacing 300,000 people, remains Nigeria’s largest state-sponsored violent eviction. More recently, demolitions in Makoko, beginning in December 2025, have left over 10,000 people homeless, destroying over 3,000 homes in the world’s largest floating settlement.
The Security Implications of Forced Removals
Research indicates a direct correlation between eviction rates and violent crime. For every 1% increase in evictions, there’s a corresponding rise in incidents like shootings. Displaced communities, stripped of their livelihoods and support systems, become vulnerable to recruitment by criminal elements. Evictees, particularly women and children, are likewise at increased risk of physical abuse and exploitation.
The Justification vs. Reality: Development or Displacement?
The Lagos State government often justifies evictions as necessary for improving living conditions and mitigating risks like flooding. However, rights groups and residents argue these justifications often mask a desire to clear land for high-value development and gentrification. Similar justifications were used in Kenya in 2024, with tragic consequences, including deaths caused by bulldozers.
The Role of Non-State Actors and Allegations of Violence
The situation is further complicated by the involvement of security forces and unidentified militia groups, often referred to as ‘area boys’. Reports indicate these groups have used machetes, guns, and axes during demolitions, resulting in injuries and, tragically, alleged deaths – including infants reportedly dying from tear gas inhalation during the Makoko demolitions in January 2026.
International Legal Frameworks and Human Rights
Forced evictions violate several international legal instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Governments have a legal obligation to refrain from, and protect against, forced evictions, ensuring any removals comply with safety and security standards and respect international human rights.
Towards Inclusive Urban Planning: A Path Forward
Sustainable development in Lagos requires a more inclusive approach to urban planning. The city cannot continue to develop at the expense of its most vulnerable residents. Mixed-income developments, like the 233-unit complex at Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, demonstrate the feasibility of creating more equitable housing solutions. However, success hinges on collaborative efforts between the state and the private sector.
FAQ: Understanding the Lagos Eviction Crisis
Q: What is the main cause of the evictions in Lagos?
A: The evictions are often justified by the government as necessary for development and flood risk mitigation, but critics argue they are primarily driven by land speculation and gentrification.
Q: What are the consequences of these evictions?
A: They lead to displacement, increased poverty, heightened insecurity, and a rise in violent crime.
Q: Are there any legal protections against forced evictions?
A: Yes, several international human rights laws protect against forced evictions, obligating governments to ensure any removals are carried out legally and with adequate compensation and resettlement.
The police must adhere to Force Order 237 (revised) and the Nigerian constitution (Section 33), which restrict the use of lethal force to situations where it’s strictly unavoidable to protect life. Investigations and prosecutions are needed for alleged crimes committed by security forces and militia during evictions.
a more equitable and secure future for Lagos depends on prioritizing the rights and dignity of all residents, ensuring development benefits everyone, and abandoning the destructive practice of forced evictions.
