Lagos Government Steps Up Enforcement, Arrests 144 Beggars Statewide

No fewer than 144 persons have been arrested across Lagos State for allegedly engaging in street begging as authorities intensify enforcement operations against the practice.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a post on his verified X account on Wednesday.

“A total of 144 beggars across Lagos State had been arrested as of 2:00 p.m. today (Wednesday),” he wrote.

Earlier in the day, Wahab had announced that 45 persons, including adults and minors, were arrested during separate operations conducted in Oshodi, Agege, and CMS.

According to him, 22 individuals were apprehended during an operation in Oshodi and Agege, while another 23 were arrested at CMS.

He stated that those arrested in Oshodi and Agege included adults and a few teenagers, while the CMS operation led to the arrest of 14 adults and nine children.

Street begging is prohibited under Lagos State law, and authorities also warn residents against giving alms to beggars on major highways.

Officials have consistently advised residents to channel charitable donations through recognised religious bodies or registered charity organisations.

Explaining the enforcement exercise, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, described the operations as routine and part of efforts to maintain order and safety in public spaces.

He noted that the presence of some individuals on pedestrian bridges and road medians poses security risks and contributes to disorder in the state.

Authorities say the crackdown will continue as part of ongoing efforts to enforce environmental laws and maintain public safety across Lagos.