Lagos arrests 396 beggars, moves to return them to home states

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Lagos State Government has arrested 396 beggars in a renewed enforcement operation aimed at tackling street begging and other illegal activities across the state, with plans to profile the affected persons before returning them to their respective states of origin.

The exercise was carried out by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI Corps) as part of the government’s sustained campaign to enforce environmental sanitation and public order laws.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Tuesday in a statement shared on his X handle, saying the operation was part of the Lagos State Government’s sustained efforts to sanitise the state and curb illegal 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 said.

He explained that the apprehended individuals would be profiled, provided with appropriate assistance where necessary and handed over to the relevant authorities to facilitate their safe return 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.

According to the commissioner, the operation forms part of broader measures by the state government to strengthen public order, improve environmental sanitation and maintain law and order across Lagos.

He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring a cleaner, safer and more secure Lagos for all residents.

The state government reiterated that street begging is prohibited under Lagos State law, adding that giving money to beggars on major roads and highways also constitutes an offence.

It urged residents to support the less privileged through recognised religious organisations and registered charitable bodies instead of giving alms directly on the streets.