Again, Lagos state govt arrests 40 street beggars

In a fresh wave of its ongoing crackdown on street begging and other social nuisances, the Lagos State Government has announced the arrest of 40 individuals across key areas of the state.

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Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, said the exercise reflects the administration’s sustained commitment to restoring public order and environmental sanity.

“In continuation of our statewide enforcement exercise aimed at ridding the state of beggars, miscreants, and other social nuisances, a total of 19 individuals comprising 11 adults and 8 children were apprehended at various locations on Lagos Island,” Wahab said.

He also noted that some beggars who constitute a nuisance were arrested in the Ikorodu and Ikeja areas of the state.

“Additionally, 21 beggars were apprehended during separate operations carried out at Ikorodu Garage and along the Ikeja axis,” he said.

The operation brings the cumulative figure of arrests in the current intensified drive to over 184 in recent days, as authorities target what they describe as professional begging syndicates and environmental hazards in public spaces.

Wahab emphasised that the exercise is part of broader efforts to safeguard residents and improve the livability of Lagos.

“The exercise forms part of the state government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining public order, ensuring environmental sanity, and safeguarding residents across the state.

“Profiling and necessary procedures are currently being carried out, while the underage children will be handed over to the appropriate social welfare authorities for proper care and rehabilitation,” he added.

He had earlier indicated that adults will face legal processing, while minors are being taken to the state’s child welfare systems rather than punitive measures.