Lagos, often hailed as an exciting city with everything from luxurious hotels to vibrant cinemas, rightly earns its moniker as the Centre of Excellence. Yet, amidst its allure, Lagos, like many urban centers, harbors areas of concern. Despite being a hub of development and opportunity, certain neighborhoods demand caution.
Key Takeaway:
- Despite Lagos’ reputation as the “Centre of Excellence,” certain neighborhoods harbor significant safety concerns due to high levels of criminal activity and inadequate infrastructure.
- Residents and visitors must remain vigilant, especially in areas known for their criminality, to ensure their safety and security.
- The 14 most precarious areas in Lagos, including Ajegunle, Agege, Ojota, Ikorodu, Mile 12, Mushin, Berger, Old Apapa Road, AIT Road, Bariga, Ketu, Oshodi, Makoko, and Isale Eko, are characterized by various forms of criminality ranging from thefts and robberies to cult-related violence and kidnappings.
- Law enforcement efforts aim to address these security challenges, but residents must exercise caution and avoid risky situations, especially after dark.
- Some areas, like Oshodi and Makoko, present not only security concerns but also challenges related to poor sanitation, limited access to essential services, and harsh living conditions.
- Informed decision-making and awareness of the risks associated with certain neighborhoods are essential for those navigating Lagos’ bustling metropolis.
- Additional areas such as Ijora and Igando also pose significant safety risks due to high crime rates and prevalent criminal activities.
While law enforcement maintains a visible presence in Lagos, discerning residents and visitors remain vigilant about their surroundings. For those curious about the city’s less savory locales, here’s a list of the 14 most precarious areas:
1. Ajegunle
Dubbed a “Ghetto paradise,” Ajegunle is a hotspot for criminal activity, making it arguably the most perilous area in Lagos. With its dense population and aging infrastructure, navigating Ajegunle after dark is ill-advised due to reported cases of violence, including missing persons, rape, and cult conflicts.
2. Agege
Notorious for its illicit drug trade, particularly marijuana and cocaine, Agege wrestles with a surge in criminality, encompassing murders, rapes, and armed robberies. Residents endure the pungent odors emanating from the local slaughterhouse, worsened by recurrent flooding due to clogged drainage systems.
3. Ojota
Hoodlums frequently prowl Ojota, targeting pedestrians on its bridges during both day and night. Bus parks become prime spots for nighttime robberies, although concerted efforts by law enforcement aim to curtail criminal activities in the area.
4. Ikorodu
Among Lagos’ most perilous districts, Ikorodu witnesses a spectrum of criminal acts, from kidnappings to phone thefts. Incidents of cult-related violence and deadly clashes persist, underscoring the area’s precariousness.
5. Mile 12
Noted for its high-risk environment, Mile 12 poses dangers, especially during nocturnal traffic jams when criminals exploit vulnerabilities to commit robberies. Despite police interventions resulting in some arrests, instances of violence and unrest endure.
6. Mushin
Identified as a hotbed of criminality since the 1980s, Mushin remains entrenched in notorious activities, including thefts and cult confrontations. Despite hosting significant industrial and commercial enterprises, the community grapples with its reputation for lawlessness.
7. Berger
Serving as Lagos’ gateway, Berger is synonymous with hustling but also attracts nefarious activities such as extortion and pickpocketing. The dense population exacerbates security challenges, leading to recurrent incidents of theft and gang clashes.
8. Old Apapa Road
Marred by recurring cult clashes, Old Apapa Road stands out as a perilous enclave where lives have been lost, properties damaged, and residents injured. Despite security measures, the area remains susceptible to outbreaks of violence.
9. AIT Road, Alagbado, Afolabi, Ibadore
These areas are battlegrounds for rival cult factions, perpetuating violent clashes that claim lives and ravage properties. Residents contend with the grim reality of frequent skirmishes and resultant casualties.
10. Bariga
Known for its criminal undercurrents, Bariga experiences a range of illicit activities, including kidnappings and nocturnal phone thefts. Cult-related violence further compounds the area’s reputation for danger, particularly after nightfall.
Navigating Lagos demands a keen awareness of these hazardous pockets, ensuring safety remains paramount in this bustling metropolis.
11. Ketu
Ketu, like the aforementioned areas, is infested with notorious criminals who operate predominantly at night. Scams, killings, kidnappings, and pickpocketing are commonplace in Ketu, posing significant risks to residents. Despite efforts by the government to curb crime, Ketu remains unsafe after dark, with residents vulnerable to various criminal activities.
12. Oshodi
one of the most densely populated areas in Lagos, is infamous for its bustling markets and crowded streets, making it among the most unsafe places to reside in the city.
Despite recent infrastructural improvements, the fear of walking through its popular marketplace persists. Oshodi remains home to numerous touts and pickpockets, with daylight skirmishes being commonplace. The situation is exacerbated at night, particularly on the bridge connecting the BRT Bus Terminals.
While some residents manage a decent standard of living, others grapple with limited access to essentials and security concerns.
For those with the means, it’s advisable to steer clear of living in places like Oshodi.
13. Makoko
Makoko, a slum built on stilts in the Lagos Lagoon, faces significant challenges such as flooding, poor sanitation, and a scarcity of basic amenities like clean water and healthcare.
Predominantly inhabited by dubious individuals, cultists, and those below the poverty line, it’s prudent to avoid this area. While living costs are relatively low, the risks are high due to harsh living conditions and the absence of essential services.
14. Isale Eko
Isale Eko, nestled in the heart of Lagos State, boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. However, ageing infrastructure and overcrowding render it less appealing to residents.
Cult clashes, armed robbery, and thuggery are rampant, further deterring people from settling here. Moreover, environmental issues like poor drainage and refuse blockages add to the area’s woes.
Other Dangerous Areas
Other dangerous areas include Ijora and Igando, characterized by high crime rates and a plethora of criminal activities. Vigilance and caution are paramount when navigating these perilous neighborhoods in Lagos.
Sources:bestlagos.com, jobicator.com,
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