Viral Videos Show Lagos Agberos Allegedly Extorting Motorists in Traffic as Residents Demand Sanwo-Olu’s Action

Viral videos showing street touts, popularly known as agberos, allegedly demanding money from motorists trapped in traffic in Lagos have sparked outrage online, with residents calling on the state government to take urgent action.

The footage circulating across social media platforms appears to show groups of young men moving from one vehicle to another and confronting motorists, including drivers of expensive cars, while allegedly demanding “settlement” before allowing them to proceed.

The scenes, reportedly recorded around busy commercial areas, have generated widespread concern among Lagos residents, with many describing the situation as a disturbing form of intimidation that has become increasingly common on some major roads.

In the videos, the men are seen approaching motorists and commercial tricycle operators amid heavy traffic, with some appearing to insist on receiving money from drivers. The footage has fuelled renewed debate over the activities of street touts and the challenges faced by motorists navigating some of Lagos’ busiest areas.

The development has prompted angry reactions on social media, with residents urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government to intensify enforcement against street harassment, illegal collections and other forms of roadside disorder.

Some residents have called for tougher measures to restore order, arguing that motorists should not be subjected to intimidation or forced payments simply because they are caught in traffic. Others have gone as far as demanding extraordinary measures to address what they regard as a growing threat to public order.

The controversy comes as the Lagos State Government continues its efforts to remove street urchins, beggars and other individuals involved in activities it considers a nuisance from major locations across the state.

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said more than 140 people had been picked up during recent operations targeting street urchins and beggars.

However, Wahab also pointed to the role played by members of the public in sustaining the problem.

According to the commissioner, financial support and patronage from some influencers, celebrities and other members of the public can encourage people removed from the streets to return.

“The continued financial support and patronage they receive from some influencers, celebrities, and members of the public, as seen in this video, inadvertently encourage them to return to the streets and, in some cases, view it as a lucrative means of livelihood, while also breeding a sense of entitlement,” Wahab stated.

He stressed that while the government has a responsibility to maintain safe, clean and orderly streets, tackling the problem requires cooperation from residents.

The commissioner therefore urged Lagosians to stop giving money to individuals whose activities contribute to street begging, disorder and environmental nuisance, arguing that continued patronage makes enforcement efforts more difficult.

The latest videos have once again drawn attention to complaints from commercial drivers and private motorists who say unofficial payments demanded by street touts add to their daily expenses and, in some cases, contribute to higher transport fares.

Beyond the financial burden, motorists say aggressive encounters with touts can create unnecessary tension and fear, particularly in congested areas where drivers have limited room to manoeuvre or escape confrontation.

The issue also raises broader concerns about the image of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and one of the country’s major business and tourism destinations.

As the videos continue to circulate and generate reactions, pressure is mounting on the Lagos State Government to demonstrate that efforts to tackle street touting, harassment and illegal roadside collections can produce a lasting solution.

For many residents, the expectation is clear: motorists should be able to travel through Lagos without intimidation, unofficial payments or fear of confrontation from individuals taking advantage of traffic congestion.