The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has arrested no fewer than 86 street beggars and 12 suspected miscreants during a monitoring and enforcement operation across parts of Lagos.
The operation took place in the Agege and Ketu areas as part of the state government’s ongoing effort to address street begging and restore order in public spaces.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development through a statement shared on his official X page on Tuesday. According to him, enforcement officers initially apprehended 25 street beggars in Agege during the early phase of the operation.
The monitoring team later moved to Ketu where additional arrests were made. Wahab stated that by midday, a total of 86 beggars had been taken into custody across the two areas. Among those arrested were nine children who were also found on the streets during the operation.
In addition to the beggars, 12 individuals described as suspected miscreants were also arrested during the enforcement patrol. Authorities said the operation was part of a broader strategy to improve environmental order and reduce street related disturbances across the state.
The commissioner explained that all individuals apprehended during the exercise would undergo proper profiling before being transferred to the appropriate government agencies. These agencies are expected to handle further actions in line with existing laws and social intervention programmes.
Wahab emphasized that the government remains committed to protecting vulnerable persons while ensuring that public spaces across Lagos remain orderly and safe for residents and visitors.
The arrests form part of a wider statewide campaign against street begging and related public nuisances which has intensified since early 2026.
Authorities also confirmed that a separate arrest was made on Monday after a suspect was caught allegedly dumping refuse on a public road during an early morning patrol by enforcement officers.
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