- The Task Force raided major routes, including Awolowo Way, Falomo roundabout, Ikoyi, and Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue
The Lagos State government has arrested 27 people, including 15 minors, for engaging in street and vehicular traffic begging.
The arrests were made by the Lagos State Environmental Task Force on Tuesday evening, according to Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
The Task Force raided major routes, including Awolowo Way, Falomo roundabout, Ikoyi, and Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, along Lekki road. Wahab stated that the operation aimed to “arrest and get rid of destitutes and miscreants causing public nuisance” in the areas.
The commissioner noted that all suspects would be transferred to appropriate government facilities in line with relevant laws. This crackdown on street begging is part of the Lagos State government’s efforts to address the issue, which has been a persistent problem in the metropolis.
It’s worth noting that the Lagos State government has been working to empower authorities to tackle street begging and hawking. In fact, the government has warned that anyone caught using children to beg risks being jailed for 10 years.