Lagos govt arrests 45 street beggars

The Lagos State Government has apprehended 45 persons engaged in street begging across Alimosho, Agege and Oshodi during coordinated enforcement and mop-up operations carried out statewide.

The arrests were made by environmental enforcement officers at various locations as part of the government’s routine compliance and sanitation drive.

Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the details via his official X account.

“As part of our ongoing enforcement and mop-up exercises across the state, additional arrests were recorded today,” Wahab stated.

He provided a breakdown of the operation, noting that 17 beggars were arrested in Alimosho, while 12 were picked up in Agege.

He added that subsequent operations led to the arrest of another 10 persons in Alimosho and six in Oshodi.

Wahab explained that the exercise was in line with the state’s strict stance against street begging, which he described as an environmental nuisance and a threat to public safety.

“Street begging along highways, medians and public spaces poses serious risks to both the individuals involved and other road users, while also undermining public order,” he said.

The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining enforcement efforts to ensure a safer, cleaner and more orderly environment across Lagos State.