Lagos sanitation enforcement arrests 50 suspected hoodlums as Taskforce cracks down on environmental violations across major areas in the state

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has arrested 50 suspected hoodlums during a statewide enforcement operation aimed at ensuring compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

Also read: Lagos arrests five for public defecation in sanitation raid

Arrests made during Lagos sanitation enforcement exercise were confirmed by Taskforce Chairman Adetayo Akerele, who said the coordinated operation covered multiple locations across the state, including Ikeja, Agege, Abule-Egba, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos Island, Lekki–Ajah corridor, and parts of Ijora and Iddo.

According to a statement issued by spokesperson Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, the operation was carried out to enforce environmental regulations and curb violations during the restricted sanitation period.

Akerele noted that while compliance with movement restrictions was relatively high in some areas, several residents and groups still failed to fully observe the exercise.

In a separate enforcement action along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, officials arrested another set of individuals allegedly involved in activities that disrupted public peace during the sanitation window.

Authorities also reported cases of suspected vandalism involving public infrastructure such as billboards and road signage, adding that all arrested persons would face prosecution.

The Taskforce chairman explained that the sanitation initiative targets environmental infractions including improper waste disposal, open defecation, and unauthorised street trading, which remain persistent challenges in parts of the city.

He reiterated that enforcement will continue under the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law 2017, stressing that sustained compliance is essential to achieving a cleaner urban environment.

Akerele also urged young residents to avoid street activities during sanitation hours and instead support efforts to maintain hygiene in their communities.

Also read: Lagos seals properties over illegal wastewater discharge

The Taskforce reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental offences, warning that continued violations will attract strict legal consequences.