By Seun Ibiyemi
The Lagos State Government has arrested 396 beggars in a renewed enforcement exercise aimed at tackling street begging and upholding environmental and public order laws, with authorities set to profile the affected persons before returning them to their respective states of origin.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Tuesday in a statement posted on his official X account.
According to the commissioner, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI Corps) carried out the operation as part of the government’s sustained campaign to rid the state of street begging and other unlawful activities.
“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 stated.
He explained that the arrested individuals would undergo a profiling process and receive appropriate assistance where necessary before being handed over to relevant authorities for relocation to their respective states.
“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,” he added.
Wahab said the exercise forms part of the state’s broader strategy to improve environmental sanitation, enhance public safety and maintain order across Lagos.
READ ALSO:Lagos APC unveils female running mate as Hamzat intensifies 2027 governorship bid
According to him, the operation reflects the government’s commitment to creating a cleaner, safer and more secure environment for residents.
Street begging is prohibited under Lagos State law, while giving money to beggars on major roads and highways also constitutes an offence.
The state government has repeatedly advised residents to support vulnerable persons through recognised religious organisations and registered charitable bodies rather than giving alms directly to beggars on the streets.
