The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 18 people following a violent protest at Tejuosho Market Phase II, Surulere, on Thursday.

The protesters, who claimed to be demonstrating against a power outage, allegedly turned violent and vandalised a bank branch within the market. They were also accused of attacking police officers on guard duty.

In a statement on Friday, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the command, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed the arrests.

 “The Lagos State Police Command has restored peace and normalcy to Tejuosho Market Phase II, Surulere, following a violent disturbance by hoodlums and miscreants who mobilised under the guise of protesting a power outage,” the statement read.

The police said the incident occurred on September 18, 2025, around 2:30 p.m., after a distress call reported attacks on people, goods, and property.

According to the statement, personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) repelled the attacks, protected the bank from invasion, and exercised restraint while dispersing the rioters.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, immediately deployed more operatives to the scene, leading to the arrest of 18 suspects “in the act of the violence and mayhem.”

Oluseyi added that normalcy was promptly restored, and business activities at the market continued without further disruption. The arrested suspects remain in custody, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend others involved.

The police command reassured residents and traders of their safety.

 “The Lagos State Police Command wishes to assure members of the general public and traders in Tejuosho Market and other markets in Lagos State that normalcy has been fully restored and the situation is under control.

CP Olohundare Jimoh reiterates that violent attacks on police personnel and destruction of property will not be tolerated.”