Sanitation crackdown: 50 suspected hoodlums arrested in Lagos

Operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce have arrested about 50 suspected hoodlums during a statewide environmental sanitation exercise aimed at enforcing compliance and maintaining public order.

The arrests were made along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, where the suspects were allegedly disturbing public peace and attempting to take advantage of the restriction period to carry out criminal activities.

According to the agency, some of those apprehended were also linked to acts that could endanger public infrastructure, including the vandalism of billboards and road signage.

The operation formed part of a broader enforcement drive conducted during the monthly sanitation exercise across Lagos State. The exercise, led by the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, targeted key areas known for environmental violations and security concerns.

Officials disclosed that monitoring teams were deployed to several locations, including Ikeja, Iyana-Ipaja, Abule-Egba, Agege, Lagos Island, Ijora and Lekki–Ajah axis, to ensure adherence to sanitation regulations.

While there was considerable compliance with restrictions on movement and commercial activities, authorities noted that some residents failed to actively participate in the sanitation exercise.

The Taskforce reiterated that all arrested suspects would be charged to court, stressing that enforcement of environmental laws would continue to curb criminal activities and promote a cleaner, safer Lagos.

The monthly sanitation exercise is part of the state government’s renewed efforts to address environmental infractions such as indiscriminate waste disposal, open defecation and street IP trading, while encouraging residents to take responsibility for maintaining a healthy environment.