Panic as Anambra Demolishes Roadside Shops, Seizes Traders’ Goods in Fresh Raid

• The OCHA Brigade has launched a sweeping enforcement operation across parts of Anambra State, demolishing illegal structures, confiscating goods and warning traders against operating on roads and public walkways.

The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade has intensified its campaign against illegal street trading and environmental violations, carrying out a large-scale enforcement and decongestion exercise across several markets in the state.

The operation, which took place on Monday, covered Ogidi, Afor Igwe Umunnachi, Oye Agu Abagana, Nkpor and surrounding communities.

During the exercise, officials demolished illegal shanties and structures obstructing drainage channels and public spaces, while also confiscating goods displayed in violation of the state’s environmental laws.

According to the agency, the operation was aimed at restoring order, improving sanitation and preventing residents, traders and developers from occupying restricted areas or engaging in activities that endanger public safety.

The enforcement targeted traders displaying goods on roads, walkways and other unauthorised public spaces, as well as illegal structures obstructing traffic and pedestrian movement.

Speaking during the exercise, the Managing Director of the OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, said the operation forms part of the agency’s mandate to protect lives, public infrastructure and the environment.

“The action is part of the agency’s responsibility to protect lives and public infrastructure. Illegal shanties erected on roadsides and public property are the target,” he said.

Anere warned that illegal roadside trading, unauthorised construction and encroachment on government land contribute to traffic congestion, environmental degradation and safety risks.

He stressed that similar enforcement operations would continue across the state as part of the Anambra State Government’s efforts to maintain a clean, safe and orderly environment.

The agency also urged traders and business owners to conduct their activities only within approved markets and designated trading areas, warning that anyone found displaying goods on roads, drainage channels or walkways would continue to face enforcement actions in line with the state’s environmental laws.