Lagos State has intensified its campaign against street begging after environmental enforcement officers arrested 396 people during a coordinated operation across different parts of the state.
The large-scale exercise, carried out by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps.
According to the Lagos State Government, the operation forms part of its ongoing strategy to tackle activities considered harmful to sanitation, safety, and the overall quality of life in Africa’s most populated city.
Meanwhile, officials disclosed that those arrested would not simply be released but would first undergo proper profiling before being returned to their respective states.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the development in a statement shared on Tuesday. He explained that the operation was conducted to strengthen environmental enforcement while addressing street begging and other related activities across Lagos.
According to Wahab, “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.”
The beggars operation is one of several enforcement exercises introduced by the state government in recent months. Furthermore, officials said the exercise was designed to improve sanitation standards and promote a safer environment for residents and visitors.
The commissioner explained that every individual taken into custody would be carefully documented before further action is taken. In addition, vulnerable persons would receive assistance where necessary before being handed over to the appropriate authorities.
Providing more details, Wahab stated, “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.”
Moreover, the government said the profiling process would help identify the needs of those affected while ensuring the relocation process is carried out properly.
Meanwhile, videos circulating online showed dozens of those arrested being transported after the operation, attracting mixed reactions from members of the public. While some residents welcomed the exercise, others called for stronger social welfare programmes alongside enforcement.
However, the Lagos State Government insists that its approach balances law enforcement with humanitarian considerations.
The commissioner stressed that the government’s objective goes beyond removing beggars from the streets.
Instead, he said the broader goal is to preserve public infrastructure, improve environmental standards, and create a more orderly city.
He added, “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.”
Furthermore, the state urged residents to support environmental policies by complying with sanitation regulations and reporting activities that threaten public order.
