The Lagos State Government has intensified its enforcement against street begging and the activities of street urchins, with 215 people reportedly arrested during recent operations across the state.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab,disclosed that those apprehended comprised 152 males, 46 females and 17 young adults.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI/LAGESC) as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle street begging, maintain public order and promote safer and more organised public spaces.
Wahab said the enforcement exercise is aimed at addressing activities considered disruptive to the environment and public safety, particularly begging and the presence of street urchins around major roads, bridges, parks and other public areas.
The latest arrests form part of a wider enforcement campaign by the state government.
Similar operations have previously been conducted in areas including Oshodi, Agege, Ketu and CMS,where several beggars, youths and other persons described by authorities as street urchins were apprehended.
The government has also maintained that vulnerable persons picked up during such operations may be profiled and referred to relevant government agencies for appropriate intervention.
The renewed crackdown comes,as Lagos continues to pursue its broader environmental sanitation and public-order agenda, with authorities urging residents to avoid activities that obstruct traffic, endanger pedestrians or contribute to disorder in public spaces.
The state government says the ultimate objective is to ensure that Lagos’ streets, roads and public areas remain cleaner, safer and more orderly.