Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, presented the state’s environmental strategies at Harvard, emphasizing the distinct challenges Lagos faces in managing climate change, coastal erosion, and waste in the midst of rapid urban development.

Speaking at Harvard Business School during the panel session titled “Rising Seas, Resilient Communities: Climate Adaptation Strategies in West Africa”, Wahab highlighted that Lagos’ position along the continental shelf, combined with a dense population exceeding 22 million, makes it especially vulnerable to rising sea levels, flash floods, and ecological degradation.

He noted that Lagos has expanded its landmass from 3,577 to 4,050 square kilometres, largely due to the reclamation of wetlands and lagoon areas for housing and commercial development. While acknowledging the necessity of urban growth, he stressed the importance of conducting environmental impact assessments and implementing drainage master plans prior to such projects to avoid long-term environmental disasters.

Wahab detailed the state’s shift from a traditional landfill-dependent waste system to a sustainable, circular model that repurposes waste for energy and economic use. He revealed that Lagos has partnered with a waste management firm in Accra, Ghana, through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at turning part of the city’s 13,000 metric tonnes of daily waste into compost and recyclable materials.

He added that this collaboration would enable Lagos to shut down the long-operating Olusosun landfill within the next 18 months, calling it a significant achievement in subnational environmental cooperation.

The Commissioner emphasized the state’s enforcement of environmental regulations, particularly in protecting wetlands and mangrove forests. He said Lagos is taking legal action against individuals who destroy these natural flood barriers and is actively educating the public on the dangers of dumping waste into drainage systems.

In discussing climate adaptation efforts, Wahab referenced the loss of coastal communities like Idotun and Okun Ajah due to rising sea levels. He also cited Eko Atlantic City—constructed on the former Bar Beach site—as a key sea defense project now shielding Victoria Island from coastal erosion.

“Climate change is not a distant threat for Lagos; it is an everyday reality,” Wahab said. He explained that prolonged rainfall can cause stormwater backups due to tidal locks, triggering flash floods. In response, the state has invested in resilient infrastructure, crafted a climate adaptation and resilience strategy, and formed regional partnerships across the Gulf of Guinea to bolster coastal defenses. “Our approach is to transform adversity into opportunity,” he concluded.

The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to an armed robbery and attempted murder case in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, described the arrests as a major breakthrough made possible through intelligence gathering and community collaboration.

According to Haruna, the suspects — Mathew Adewole, 25, of Na’ibawa Quarters, and Mukhtar Muhammad, 31, of Unguwa Uku Quarters, Kano — were apprehended on September 11, 2025, at Na’ibawa Quarters.

During interrogation, Adewole reportedly confessed to assaulting one Lil-Kesh, a resident of Bera Estate, Chevron, Lagos, on August 19, 2025. The attack left the victim with severe injuries, including a deep neck wound.

Haruna further disclosed that the suspect compelled the victim to transfer ₦2,120,000 from his bank account via mobile phone to Muhammad’s account.

He added that, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Kano Command has been strengthening its intelligence network and deepening community policing to outpace criminal elements.

The police spokesperson noted that the suspects have since been transferred to the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, praised the officers for their professionalism and acknowledged the role of the public in supporting police operations. He assured that the command will sustain efforts to maintain law and order across the state.

“The command remains committed to maintaining law and order, working closely with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to combating crime,” the statement concluded.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a notorious armed robber and alleged hired assassin, John Samuel, 28, at his hideout in Epe.

The suspect, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, was picked up on September 19, 2025, around 2:00 pm, after weeks of surveillance.

Report has it that Samuel — recently released from prison on August 18 after serving a six-year jail term for armed robbery — had, the same day, shot and wounded popular Lagos socialite Gbenga Obama at Gbajobi Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja. He then robbed him of a gold necklace and other valuables in broad daylight.

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi B. Oluseyi, described Samuel as “vicious and notorious,” noting that he was known to shoot victims before dispossessing them of valuables.

Oluseyi said CCTV footage of the August 18 incident captured Samuel firing at Obama with an English pistol, before fleeing with an accomplice who waited on a motorcycle. Obama, who sustained serious gunshot wounds, has since been treated and discharged.

The suspect reportedly confessed to selling the stolen jewelry for ₦4 million — far below its market value. Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of his gang.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohudare Jimoh, commended the operatives for their gallantry and assured residents that the suspect would be prosecuted after investigations.

The command reiterated its commitment to the safety of Lagosians, warning that “the state has no hiding place for criminals.”