A total of 144 people have been arrested across Lagos State for allegedly engaging in street begging as authorities intensify efforts to enforce environmental and public order laws.
According to PUNCH, the arrests were disclosed on Wednesday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post on X.
Wahab said the figure had reached 144 by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday following coordinated enforcement operations across different parts of the state.
Earlier in the day, officials arrested 45 people, including adults, teenagers and children, during separate operations in Oshodi, Agege and CMS. The commissioner stated that 22 beggars comprising adults and a few teenagers were apprehended in Oshodi and Agege, while another 23 people, including 14 adults and nine children, were arrested at CMS.
The latest arrests form part of Lagos State’s ongoing campaign against street begging, which is prohibited under state law. Authorities have repeatedly warned residents against giving alms to beggars on major highways, urging them instead to channel donations through religious organisations and recognised charity groups.
Speaking to PUNCH Metro, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, described the operation as a routine exercise aimed at maintaining order and improving public safety.
Adeshina said the government was committed to ensuring that roads, pedestrian bridges and public spaces remain safe and clean. He noted that some individuals occupying pedestrian bridges and road medians have been linked to attacks on residents, making enforcement necessary.
He stressed that the crackdown would continue as part of broader efforts to improve security and reduce public nuisance across the state.
PUNCH reported that Lagos authorities have previously relied on provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State relating to public nuisance and disorderly conduct when enforcing restrictions on street begging. The law classifies individuals who beg or collect alms in public places as disorderly persons.
