Festac, Mile 2, Ikorodu: LAWMA Arrests 13 In Street Trading Crackdown
Kehinde Adeleye
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has arrested 13 people for allegedly engaging in street trading at unauthorised locations across the state, including Festac, Mile 2 and Ikorodu.
The arrests followed enforcement operations conducted between Monday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 13, 2026, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi.
LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the operations were aimed at restoring order and preventing traders from occupying public spaces meant for pedestrians and other road users.
He warned traders against using roads, walkways, medians, road setbacks and other public areas for commercial activities, urging them to operate only in designated and approved markets.
Those arrested during Monday’s operations in Festac and Mile 2 were identified as Joy Opeyemi, Abigail Manga, Chinasa Eze, Saika Taira, AbdulRasheed Elinu, Charles Nwango, Mustapha Abubakar, Aliyu Garba, Kazinu Umar, Moses Idara, Ahmed Yinusa, Yusuf Usman and Amaka Chukunju.
On Tuesday, LAWMA’s Project WISE team carried out another enforcement operation in Ikorodu alongside officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and police officers.
The exercise targeted traders operating in unauthorised locations and led to the apprehension of offenders.
Gbadegesin said the agency would continue monitoring the affected areas to prevent traders from returning to prohibited locations.
He noted that street trading in unauthorised areas could contribute to illegal dumping, obstruct access routes and create environmental nuisances, undermining efforts to maintain a clean and liveable Lagos.
“Public roads and walkways must remain clear and accessible. We will sustain enforcement against unauthorised trading. We urge traders and residents to use approved markets,” he said.
The agency reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and keeping public spaces accessible, while urging traders to comply with the rules governing commercial activities across the state.
