Lagos taskforce arrests 45 street beggars in CMS, others

The Lagos State Government has arrested 45 street beggars in a renewed enforcement operation targeting roadside solicitation and public order violations across major parts of the state.

The exercise was carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Taskforce as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on activities officials describe as social nuisances and restore order on key roads and public spaces.

The Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the operation through footage shared on his social media handle on Wednesday, noting that the individuals were arrested for allegedly soliciting alms in the middle of the road, an act described as unlawful and unsafe.

According to him, 22 persons were apprehended in Oshodi and Agege, comprising adults and several teenagers, while 23 others, including adults and children, were picked up during enforcement activities around CMS.

Wahab noted that the government will continue to enforce the law against street begging while collaborating with social welfare agencies to provide rehabilitation and support where necessary.

He added that the clearance operation also extended to other strategic corridors, including Admiralty Way in Lekki and Addo Road in Ajah, as part of a broader sanitation and compliance drive aimed at maintaining order across Lagos highways and busy intersections.