The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to clear major roads and public areas of beggars and individuals causing obstruction, in a move aimed at restoring order, improving safety, and maintaining cleanliness across the city.
The operation, which recently resumed in parts of the Ketu–Alapere corridor and surrounding areas, is being conducted by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), tasked with enforcing environmental laws and maintaining public order.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that while the government acknowledges the social challenges behind street begging, it cannot allow such activities to compromise public safety, disrupt traffic, or negatively impact the city’s environment. “Our goal is to create a cleaner, safer Lagos for all residents,” Wahab said.
During the operation, several individuals, including both adults and minors, were apprehended. Some reports indicate that certain individuals with physical challenges were also taken into custody, sparking discussions about the humane treatment of vulnerable populations. Videos circulating on social media show operatives escorting beggars into government vehicles, highlighting the visibility of the crackdown.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Lagos State Government to reduce public nuisances and enhance urban sanitation. While past operations have seen arrested minors and adults transferred to rehabilitation centers or provided with skills training for economic self-reliance, human rights advocates continue to call for careful handling of vulnerable groups during such enforcement actions.
Residents have had mixed reactions to the operation. While many welcome the effort to improve road safety and urban cleanliness, others express concern about the potential negative impact on the city’s most vulnerable citizens, calling for a balance between enforcement and social support.
The Lagos State Government has emphasized that the drive is not intended to punish the disadvantaged but to protect all residents and ensure public spaces are safe and orderly. Authorities also assured that appropriate facilities and rehabilitation programs are being put in place for those affected.
As the operation continues, Lagosians are closely watching its impact on traffic flow, street cleanliness, and the welfare of beggars and other vulnerable populations. The government’s challenge will be sustaining these efforts while addressing the social issues that drive individuals to beg in the city’s busiest areas.