84 Arrested in Lagos During Environmental Clean-Up Operation
84 arrested in June 21, 2025 – In a decisive move to restore order and improve environmental standards across the city, 84 arrested individuals were arrested in Lagos on Friday during a coordinated enforcement operation led by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce. The exercise focused on Agege and several high-traffic areas within the state as part of a broader clean-up initiative.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the arrests via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. According to Wahab, the operation targeted areas notorious for illegal trading, squatting, and environmental violations.
“The areas visited during the operation included the railway corridor in Ojurin, Isale Oja, Oke Koto, AP in the Agege area, and other adjoining streets,” Wahab stated. “These locations had seen an increase in the presence of undesirable elements, necessitating urgent intervention.”
Wahab disclosed that the 84 arrested in Lagos comprised 82 males and two females, who were caught engaging in various environmental and public order offences. He assured that all suspects would be prosecuted according to the law and charged to court promptly.
84 Arrested in Lagos as Taskforce Cracks Down on Environmental Offenders
84 arrested In a separate but complementary effort, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) also intensified its own enforcement across key upscale districts such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki Phase 1. LAWMA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, confirmed that its special enforcement team, in conjunction with the Ministry of the Environment’s special squad, tackled persistent environmental violations in those areas.
“Illegal street traders were cleared, and waste dumped at unauthorized locations was removed,” Gbadegesin said. “This is part of our ongoing effort to tackle environmental infractions, improve city cleanliness, and enforce existing sanitation laws.”
He emphasized that all individuals apprehended during the Ikoyi and Victoria Island sweeps had been handed over to the Environmental Task Force mobile court at Bolade, Oshodi, for proper documentation and legal processing.
The 84 arrested in Lagos is part of a larger trend of environmental enforcement aimed at restoring public order in the bustling metropolis. Over the past few months, state officials have intensified clean-up operations, particularly in areas prone to congestion, illegal trading, and public nuisance.
The taskforce’s actions come amid mounting public pressure for the government to tackle the deteriorating environmental conditions in urban centers. The presence of illegal markets, refuse dumps on roadsides, and informal settlements has raised health and safety concerns among residents and business owners alike.
Many Lagosians have expressed support for the government’s latest effort, calling it a much-needed intervention to restore law and order in the city.
“The government is doing the right thing,” said Mrs. Esther Ayoola, a resident of Agege. “We’ve been complaining about the filth and chaos for too long. Hopefully, this will send a strong message to the offenders.”
However, some human rights advocates have cautioned against excessive force or mass arrests without adequate legal safeguards.
“While we commend the government for addressing environmental issues, we urge that all detainees be treated fairly and have access to legal representation,” said Kola Adebayo, a lawyer and civil rights activist.
84 arrested- Lagos State’s environmental sanitation laws empower authorities to penalize illegal waste dumping, unauthorized street trading, and the establishment of illegal markets. Yet, enforcement has often been inconsistent—something officials now aim to change through sustained operations.
Commissioner Wahab reiterated the administration’s commitment to a cleaner and safer Lagos, stating that similar clean-up efforts would continue across other local government areas in the coming weeks.
“Lagos must reflect the kind of megacity we aspire to build,” he said. “Clean streets, orderly neighborhoods, and public hygiene are not optional—they are essential.”
With 84 arrested in Lagos in just one day, the state government has sent a strong signal to individuals and groups who flout environmental laws. Moving forward, the success of such operations will depend on consistent enforcement, legal transparency, and continued public engagement.
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce has promised to publish follow-up reports and ensure accountability throughout the legal process. Officials have also hinted at upcoming awareness campaigns to educate the public on compliance with environmental laws and the importance of maintaining a hygienic environment.
Source- Punch
