Banana Island Bans Short-let Apartments After Eight Suspected Thieves Arrested

The Banana Island Property Owners and Residents Association in Ikoyi, Lagos, has halted all short-let operations across the estate following a recent security breach linked to suspected criminal activity.

In a statement by the executive committee of the Association, the estate said the decision was taken to preserve security, privacy, and the peaceful coexistence of residents.

The association noted that investigations showed that short-let apartments were being exploited by criminals to gain access into gated communities, posing increasing risks to residents.

“Following the recent security breach and the violation of our longstanding peaceful coexistence as a community, the executive committee has resolved to bring a complete end to the operation of short-let and Airbnb activities across the entire Banana Island community, covering both residential and commercial properties,” the statement reads.

The committee added that the transient nature of short-let arrangements undermines collective security, residents’ privacy, and overall community cohesion.

It said the ban takes effect from Monday, February 9, noting that the decision, though difficult, was necessary to protect the estate’s “safe, serene, and exclusive environment”.

The association also disclosed that members of a gang of thieves who had allegedly been terrorising the estate for several months were arrested by the police on Friday.

According to the statement, the suspects’ modus operandi involved renting short-let apartments within the gated estate to carry out coordinated criminal operations.

It said a tip-off from a member of the estate’s security team led to a police raid on a short-let apartment at George Residences on Femi Pedro Street, with the support of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Charge of Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos.

The committee said the operation resulted in the arrest of a principal suspect along with four others, while vehicles, phones, and a laptop were recovered and taken to the police station.

It added that three additional suspects were later arrested while attempting to retrieve one of the vehicles, and further investigations reportedly uncovered stolen items and disguises linked to an overnight operation within Banana Island.

The association assured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and the estate’s legacy, adding that all the suspects have since confessed to the crime.