Lagos Attorney General Blames Police Non‑Compliance for Low Land‑Grab Case Resolutions

Context During the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing in Alausa, Lagos Attorney General Lawal Pedro highlighted a systemic gap between state directives and federal police action. The brief focused on the state’s struggle to curb illegal land occupation, a problem that has intensified as urban development accelerates.

Key Facts - The Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers logged 1,628 petitions between May 2023 and April 2026, but only 221 cases reached a final decision. - Pedro said the Nigeria Police Force repeatedly refused to enforce directives issued by his office, and senior federal officers have overruled state‑initiated enforcement actions. - After an initial intervention by former Inspector‑General Kayode Egbetokun, police compliance improved briefly before collapsing following leadership changes. - Pedro plans to request renewed intervention from the current Inspector‑General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to restore cooperation.

What It Means The low resolution rate underscores how police non‑compliance can cripple state‑level anti‑land‑grab initiatives. Without consistent enforcement, the task force’s capacity to deter illegal occupation remains limited, potentially encouraging further encroachments. The attorney general’s appeal to the Inspector‑General signals a push for clearer jurisdictional alignment, but success will depend on federal willingness to prioritize state‑level directives.

Looking Ahead Watch for the response from Inspector‑General Disu and any policy adjustments that could reshape police‑state collaboration on land‑grab enforcement in Lagos.