The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as KAI, has rescued four nursing mothers and their babies from an illegal dumpsite at Agboju along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The rescue was carried out on Monday during an ongoing inter-agency cleanup of the corridor aimed at clearing illegal dumpsites, shanties and other environmental infractions, according to a statement shared by the agency on X on Tuesday.

LAGESC Corps Marshal, Olaniyi Cole, said operatives were shocked to discover the young mothers living with their babies in what he described as inhumane conditions.

One of the rescued babies was reportedly just nine days old and had been living in an environment affected by filth, poor air quality and limited access to basic necessities.

The women were identified as 23-year-old Fareedat Muyideen from Kwara State, who was with her two-year-old child; 25-year-old Ayomide Ayomoke from Ondo State, with her 10-month-old baby; 20-year-old Amanda Oziema Abalihi from Anambra State, with her nine-day-old baby; and 24-year-old Chisom Ugo from Imo State, with her 11-month-old child.

Cole said the women and children were rescued because of concerns over their health and safety. They were receiving medical attention and would either be reunited with their families or referred to relevant welfare authorities.

He appealed to relatives who may be searching for the women to contact the appropriate authorities, adding that LAGESC was working with government and humanitarian agencies to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of the mothers and their children.

Cole also urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the welfare of their children, saying maltreatment at home could contribute to some young people ending up on the streets.

He reiterated the Lagos State Government’s position against child abuse and neglect, warning that parents or guardians found culpable could face prosecution.