The Lagos State Government has arrested no fewer than 45 individuals involved in street begging during a coordinated enforcement exercise across several parts of the metropolis.
The arrests were carried out in Alimosho, Agege and Oshodi by environmental enforcement officers as part of the state’s ongoing sanitation and compliance drive aimed at restoring order in public spaces.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the operation was conducted under the government’s routine mop-up exercise to curb activities considered detrimental to public safety and environmental standards.
According to Wahab, 17 beggars were apprehended in Alimosho, while 12 others were arrested in Agege. He added that further operations led to the arrest of an additional 10 persons in Alimosho and six in Oshodi.
The commissioner described street begging along highways, road medians and other public areas as a serious safety concern, noting that it exposes both the beggars and motorists to avoidable risks.
“Street begging constitutes an environmental nuisance and poses dangers to public safety, particularly when it takes place along major roads and busy intersections,” Wahab said.
He reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to sustain enforcement actions across Lagos, stressing that the exercise is part of broader efforts to promote cleanliness, public order and a safer urban environment.