Over 19 buildings demolished at New Mandela Plaza, Lagos, under heavy security. Traders allege no prior notice as goods worth millions destroyed.
More than 19 buildings were demolished on Thursday at New Mandela Plaza in Lagos, as the state government carried out a large-scale demolition exercise under heavy security presence.
Heavy Security Deployment
The operation involved a convoy of trucks from the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and other tactical teams stationed around the plaza. Officers restricted access to the premises and prevented traders from recording the exercise.
By midday, several structures had already been reduced to rubble, leaving traders and shop owners in shock.
Traders React with Outrage
Many affected traders expressed anger, claiming they were not given prior notice before the demolition began.
One trader, speaking reluctantly, said:
Another speculated that the buildings might have been marked for being too close to a canal.
A visibly agitated plaza owner, who arrived while his shop was being pulled down, shouted from his car that no notice was served before bulldozers moved in.
Sales representatives lamented that goods still locked inside the shops were destroyed alongside the buildings.

Financial Losses
Traders estimated that the demolished buildings, each valued at over ₦150 million, represented significant personal and business investments.
Task Force Response
When contacted, the Task Force Chairman clarified that the operation did not originate from his office.
Government Yet to Respond
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official statement regarding the demolition, leaving traders and residents uncertain about the reasons behind the large-scale operation.