Lagos arrests 46 for open defecation in Island crackdown
The Lagos State government has apprehended 46 suspected offenders for open defecation during coordinated early morning enforcement operations across Lagos Island. The arrests, carried out by the state’s Anti-Open Defecation
The Lagos State government has apprehended 46 suspected offenders for open defecation during coordinated early morning enforcement operations across Lagos Island.
The arrests, carried out by the state’s Anti-Open Defecation Squad between February 20 and 22, this year, form part of routine environmental monitoring.
In a statement, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the suspects were picked up in areas identified as habitual blackspots.
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According to him, 20 offenders were apprehended on February 20, while 15 more suspects were arrested the following day. A further 11 individuals were taken into custody on February 22 during sustained surveillance operations.
He noted that the exercise covered Ebute Ero and adjoining locations, including Apongbon, Isale Eko, Marina, CMS, Obalende and Adeniji Adele, locations known for heavy commercial activity.
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He said: “All suspects have been transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the environmental laws of Lagos State.”
He noted that the operation formed part of the government’s broader efforts to eliminate open defecation, safeguard public health and uphold environmental sanitation standards across the metropolis.
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Gbadegesin reiterated that open defecation violates the state’s environmental regulations and poses serious health and environmental risks, particularly in high-traffic commercial districts.
He urged residents and business operators to utilise approved public sanitation facilities and desist from acts capable of undermining the state’s environmental sustainability drive.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement, the LAWMA boss warned that offenders would continue to face arrest and prosecution under the law.
