Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Government, through its Anti-Open Defecation Squad, arrested 46 individuals for open defecation during early morning operations across Lagos Island.
The Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, announced in a statement on Monday that the arrests were made between February 20 and 22, during routine operations in Ebute Ero and surrounding areas, including Marina, CMS, Obalende, and Adeniji Adele.
“On February 20, 20 offenders were apprehended; 15 additional suspects were arrested on February 21, while 11 more were picked up on February 22, during sustained surveillance operations targeting habitual open defecation black spots,” he said.
He stated that all suspects have been transferred to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps headquarters in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution, as per Lagos State Environmental Laws.
Gbadegesin stated that the enforcement action is part of the state government’s efforts to eliminate open defecation, protect public health, and maintain environmental sanitation standards in Lagos.
He noted that open defecation breaches environmental regulations and poses significant health and environmental risks, especially in densely populated commercial areas.
The LAWMA boss urged residents and businesses to use approved sanitation facilities and avoid actions that could undermine the state’s environmental efforts.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement, warning that offenders would continue to face arrest and prosecution in line with the law.
