Lagos Govt To Return 396 Arrested ‘Street Beggars’ To Home States
The Lagos State government has announced the arrest of 396 beggars by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps, as part of its sustained efforts to sanitise the state, strengthen environmental enforcement and curb illegal activities across the metropolis.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, saying the exercise aligns with the state government's ongoing commitment to maintaining public order and ensuring that Lagos remains clean, safe and secure for residents and visitors.
According to the commissioner, "A total of 396 beggars were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps as part of the Lagos State Government's sustained efforts to sanitise the state and curb illegal activities.”
Wahab explained that the operation was carried out as part of broader environmental sanitation initiatives aimed at addressing activities that undermine the state's environmental and urban management objectives.
He noted that the government remains committed to enforcing relevant laws while adopting appropriate measures in handling vulnerable persons encountered during enforcement operations.
Providing further details on the next steps, the commissioner said those apprehended would undergo proper documentation before being transferred to the appropriate authorities.
He said, “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 indicated that the profiling process would enable the government and relevant agencies to determine the specific needs of those apprehended and ensure that appropriate support is provided before their relocation is coordinated through the relevant authorities.
The Lagos State Government has, over the years, sustained campaigns against street begging, indiscriminate street trading and other activities it says contribute to environmental degradation, traffic disruption and public safety concerns. Officials have consistently maintained that the enforcement exercises are designed to promote orderliness and improve the overall quality of the urban environment.
Wahab said the latest operation reflects the administration's determination to sustain environmental sanitation across the state while ensuring that enforcement is accompanied by appropriate welfare considerations for those affected.
“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,” the commissioner stated.
He reaffirmed that environmental enforcement operations would continue across different parts of the state as part of the government's broader strategy to preserve public infrastructure, improve sanitation standards and create a more orderly environment.
The state government also urged residents to support ongoing efforts by complying with environmental regulations and contributing to the collective responsibility of keeping Lagos clean and orderly.