In a bid to curb unsanitary practices across the metropolis, the Lagos State Government, through its Anti-Open Defecation Squad, apprehended 46 individuals during coordinated early morning operations on Lagos Island.
Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed in a statement on Monday, February 23, that the arrests took place between February 20 and 22.
The routine monitoring targeted habitual open defecation black spots around Ebute Ero, Marina, CMS, Obalende, and Adeniji Adele.
According to Dr. Gbadegesin, 20 offenders were arrested on February 20, followed by 15 on February 21, and 11 more on February 22.
All suspects have been transferred to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps headquarters in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in line with state environmental laws.
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The LAWMA boss emphasized that open defecation not only violates environmental regulations but also poses significant health and environmental risks, particularly in densely populated commercial corridors.
He urged residents and business operators to make use of approved public sanitation facilities and avoid behaviors that could undermine the state’s environmental sustainability drive.
“This enforcement exercise is part of our ongoing efforts to eliminate open defecation, safeguard public health, and maintain environmental sanitation standards across Lagos,” Dr. Gbadegesin stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustained monitoring and strict enforcement.
He warned that offenders would continue to face arrest and prosecution in line with the law.
The operation highlights Lagos State’s proactive approach to maintaining public hygiene and underscores the human cost of environmental negligence, as communities bear the health risks of unsafe sanitation practices.