Lagos Arrests 46 Offenders in Fresh Crackdown on Open Defecation

The Lagos State Government has arrested 46 persons for open defecation in a renewed enforcement operation across major commercial areas on Lagos Island.

The arrests were carried out by the state’s Anti-Open Defecation Squad during early morning raids targeting identified sanitation blackspots, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce environmental laws and protect public health.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement posted on the state government’s official social media page on Tuesday.

According to the statement, 20 offenders were apprehended on February 20, followed by 15 on February 21, and another 11 on February 22 during sustained surveillance operations.

The enforcement exercises were conducted around Ebute Ero and adjoining areas, including Apongbon, Isale Eko, Marina, CMS, Obalende, and Adeniji Adele locations known for high commercial activity.

Dr. Gbadegesin explained that all suspects have been transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in line with state environmental laws.

He reiterated that open defecation violates environmental regulations and poses serious health and environmental risks, particularly in densely populated areas.

The enforcement exercise, he noted, forms part of broader efforts by the state government to eliminate open defecation, safeguard public health, and maintain environmental sanitation standards across the metropolis.

Dr. Gbadegesin urged residents and business operators to make use of approved public sanitation facilities and warned that offenders would continue to face arrest and prosecution under the law.