Lagos State Environmental Taskforce operatives have arrested 27 individuals, including 15 minors, for allegedly engaging in the act of street begging.
This was confirmed by the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, via his official X handle (@tokunbo_wahab) on Wednesday.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, targeted major routes across the Lagos metropolis, including Awolowo Way, Falomo Roundabout in Ikoyi, and Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue along the Lekki Road.
The commissioner stated that the special operation was aimed at addressing public nuisances and ensuring the safety and orderliness of the city. “The task force monitored and carried out a special purpose operation against persons constituting public nuisance across the metropolis,” Wahab wrote.
“Twenty-seven persons, including 15 minors, involved in the unlawful act of street begging in the middle of vehicular traffic and hold-ups, were apprehended during the operation.”He added that the arrested individuals would be transferred to appropriate government facilities in accordance with relevant laws.
“This is in a bid to apprehend and get rid of destitutes in the areas,” Wahab noted. The Lagos State government’s renewed crackdown on street begging highlights its commitment to maintaining law and order while addressing issues related to public safety and welfare.