The Lagos State Government has announced the arrest of 396 beggars as part of an ongoing environmental sanitation operation aimed at improving public order and reducing activities considered harmful to the city’s environment.
The operation was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps. According to the state government, the exercise forms part of efforts to maintain a cleaner, safer and more organised Lagos metropolis.
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that the arrested individuals would undergo profiling and documentation before being handed over to relevant authorities for possible assistance and return to their respective states of origin.
Government Explains Reason Behind the Operation
The Lagos government said the enforcement was not only targeted at street begging but also aimed at addressing activities that affect environmental management, public safety and the orderly use of public spaces.
Officials explained that street begging has remained a major concern in some parts of Lagos, especially around busy roads, pedestrian areas and commercial locations where large numbers of people gather daily.
The government stated that proper profiling would help determine the identities and circumstances of those arrested, including vulnerable persons who may require support before arrangements are made for their relocation.
Beggars to Be Profiled Before Repatriation
According to authorities, the individuals arrested will not be immediately transported without documentation. Instead, they will first be assessed and processed before being transferred through appropriate channels.
The state government said the move is part of a broader strategy to maintain environmental standards while ensuring that vulnerable persons encountered during enforcement activities receive necessary attention.
Lagos Continues Crackdown on Street Begging
The latest action is part of a series of enforcement operations carried out by Lagos authorities against street begging and other activities considered environmental violations.
In previous operations, the state government has also announced arrests of street beggars in different locations across Lagos as part of efforts to improve sanitation and public safety.
Authorities have maintained that the enforcement exercises are aimed at creating a more organised urban environment and protecting residents and visitors.
Public Reaction and the Need for Social Support
While some residents support efforts to keep major roads and public spaces organised, others have raised concerns about how vulnerable people are treated during such operations.
Social welfare experts have often argued that addressing street begging requires more than arrests, including poverty reduction programmes, rehabilitation initiatives, skills training and stronger social support systems.
Many beggars in Nigerian cities are believed to be driven by economic hardship, disability, unemployment and lack of access to basic opportunities. Therefore, long-term solutions may require cooperation between government agencies, community organisations and humanitarian groups.
Conclusion
The Lagos State Government’s arrest of 396 beggars highlights the state’s continued effort to enforce environmental regulations and improve public order. As the government begins the profiling and repatriation process, attention will remain on how the affected individuals are handled and whether broader solutions are introduced to address the root causes of street begging.
The Story Mean Say (Pidgin Nigerian English)
Lagos catch 396 beggars, plan to send dem go back their states
The matter be say Lagos government don arrest 396 people wey dey beg for streets as part of their cleaning exercise. Government say dem go first check their details and know where each person come from before dem go send dem back to their states.
Lagos say this move na to make the city cleaner, safer and reduce activities wey fit disturb public order. But some people dey talk say government need to also look for ways to help poor people instead of only arresting them, because many people dey beg because of hardship and lack of opportunities.
The main thing be say Lagos government want reduce street begging, but many Nigerians believe say solving poverty na the real way to end the problem.
