Residents of Banana Island, one of Lagos’ most exclusive residential communities, have suspended all short-let rental operations following the arrest of eight suspected thieves linked to a recent security breach in the estate.
The decision was announced by the Banana Island Property Owners and Residents Association Lagos (BIPORAL), which said the move was necessary to safeguard residents and preserve the estate’s privacy and tranquility.
According to the association, the ban comes in response to growing security concerns after police arrested the suspects, who were allegedly connected to criminal activities traced to short-term rental occupants within the estate. While specific details of the arrests were not disclosed, BIPORAL said the incident highlighted vulnerabilities created by unchecked short-let operations.
In its statement, the executive committee emphasized that Banana Island was designed as a private, high-security residential community and not for transient accommodation. The association noted that the influx of short-term renters had made it increasingly difficult to monitor access, identify occupants, and maintain the standard of security expected by residents.
“The suspension of short-let rentals is aimed at preserving security, privacy, and the peaceful coexistence of residents,” the statement read, adding that the decision was taken in the collective interest of property owners and occupants.
The ban is expected to affect property owners and operators who had converted residential apartments into short-stay rentals, a practice that has become increasingly popular across Lagos in recent years.
BIPORAL said it would continue to work closely with security agencies and residents to review access control measures and strengthen internal security, while warning that any violation of the directive would attract sanctions.
The development has reignited debate around the regulation of short-let rentals in gated estates across Lagos, particularly in high-value neighborhoods where residents have raised concerns about security, noise, and loss of privacy.
