The Lagos State Government has arrested 46 male and female suspects for alleged open defecation during coordinated early morning enforcement operations across Lagos Island.
The arrests were carried out by the state’s Anti-Open Defecation Squad between February 20 and 22 in key commercial and high-footfall areas, including Ebute Ero, Marina, CMS, Obalende and Adeniji Adele.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, noting that the operation was part of sustained surveillance targeting identified sanitation black spots.
“On February 20, 20 offenders were apprehended; 15 additional suspects were arrested on February 21, while 11 more were picked up on February 22, during sustained surveillance operations targeting habitual open defecation black spots,” Gbadegesin said.
He explained that all the suspects had been transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the state’s environmental laws.
“All apprehended individuals have been handed over to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps for necessary processing and prosecution in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Laws,” he added.
Gbadegesin said the enforcement exercise was part of the state government’s broader strategy to eradicate open defecation, protect public health and improve environmental hygiene across the metropolis.
“Open defecation is a clear violation of environmental regulations and poses serious health and environmental risks, especially in densely populated commercial corridors where the spread of communicable diseases can be rapid,” he said.
The LAWMA boss urged residents, traders and business operators to make use of approved public sanitation facilities and avoid practices that undermine the state’s environmental sustainability drive.
“We urge residents and business operators to utilise approved public toilets and desist from acts that compromise the cleanliness and sustainability of our environment,” he said.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustained monitoring and strict enforcement, warning that offenders would continue to be arrested and prosecuted.
“Our surveillance and enforcement will be sustained. Anyone found violating environmental laws will face arrest and prosecution. Lagos must remain clean, safe and healthy for all,” Gbadegesin added.
