No fewer than 396 street beggars were apprehended during exercise by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps as part of efforts to curb street begging and restore order across the metropolis.
The arrests, carried out across different parts of the state, form part of the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness, enhance public safety, and ensure a more orderly Lagos.
The Commissioner for the Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the development in a post shared on his social media handle on Tuesday, stating that the suspects were arrested while allegedly soliciting alms on bridges, which he described as an unlawful act.
He added that the operation is part of the continuous daily clean-up and enforcement exercise being carried out across the state.
“This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining public order, protecting the environment, and ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more secure Lagos for all,” Wahab emphasized, reinforcing the administration’s broader vision for sustainable urban management.
“The apprehended individuals will be profiled, provided with appropriate assistance where necessary, and handed over to the relevant authorities to facilitate their safe return to their respective states,” the commissioner added..
The commissioner further stated 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.