The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) says it has arrested 50 suspected hoodlums during a coordinated statewide operation aimed at enforcing compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
The chairman of the agency, Adetayo Akerele, disclosed that the arrests were carried out across multiple locations identified for repeated environmental violations in Lagos State.
According to the Taskforce, the operation covered key areas including Ikeja, Agege, Iyana-Ipaja, Abule-Egba, Iyana-Oworo, Lagos Island, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Ijora Causeway, Ijora Underbridge and Iddo.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Taskforce spokesperson Abdulraheem Gbadeyan.
Akerele said while there was general compliance with the restriction of movement and suspension of commercial activities during the sanitation period, some individuals failed to adhere to the directive.
He added that in a related enforcement action along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, another 50 persons were arrested for allegedly engaging in activities that disrupted public peace during the exercise.
The Taskforce also alleged that some of the suspects were involved in acts that posed threats to public infrastructure, including damage to billboards and road signage.
“All suspects will be charged to court accordingly,” Akerele stated, stressing that enforcement would continue across the state.
He explained that the monthly sanitation exercise is aimed at tackling indiscriminate waste disposal, street trading, open defecation, and other environmental offences that contribute to urban disorder.
Akerele reaffirmed that offenders would be prosecuted under the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law, 2017, while urging residents to comply fully with sanitation regulations.
He also cautioned youths against engaging in street football and other outdoor activities during sanitation hours, encouraging them instead to participate in keeping their surroundings clean.
The Taskforce chairman reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental violations, saying sustained compliance is necessary to build a cleaner and more livable Lagos.
