Lagos Taskforce arrests over 50 for environmental infractions during sanitation exercise

In a decisive move to enforce environmental sanity, the Lagos State Taskforce has apprehended over 50 individuals suspected of being miscreants and street urchins. The operation, which took place along the Lekki-Epe Expressway during the recent monthly sanitation exercise, targeted those committing various environmental infractions and disturbing public peace. This action underscores the state government's unwavering commitment to ridding Lagos of criminal elements and public nuisances, as mandated by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law of 2017.

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All suspects will be charged in court accordingly.

Led by CSP Adetayo Akerele, the Taskforce conducted a thorough monitoring and enforcement operation, identifying hotspots with a history of environmental violations. Beyond disturbing public peace, some of the arrested individuals were implicated in acts that threatened public infrastructure, such as vandalizing billboards and road signage. CSP Akerele affirmed that all suspects will face legal charges in court, emphasizing that violators will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

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Violators of environmental sanitation laws will be prosecuted in accordance with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law of 2017.

The reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise is a critical component of the state's broader strategy to combat indiscriminate waste disposal, open defecation, and street trading. The goal is to foster a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all residents. The Taskforce stressed that active citizen participation, coupled with consistent enforcement, is vital for achieving lasting environmental order. While commending transport union members for their proactive role in cleaning their surroundings, the Taskforce also urged youths to actively engage in future sanitation exercises and refrain from activities that disrupt these efforts, highlighting the importance of community ownership in maintaining environmental cleanliness across the state.

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Urging them to actively participate in future sanitation exercises and to desist from playing street football during sanitation hours.