The Lagos State Government has arrested 12 environmental offenders in separate enforcement operations across Lagos Island, Yaba, and Ikorodu as part of efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental violations.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the Authority’s Project WISE Enforcement Team apprehended 11 suspects during surveillance operations in Lagos Island and Yaba for offences including illegal waste disposal, scavenging, and related environmental infractions.
He added that officers of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps also arrested a school security guard in Ikorodu after a concerned resident captured him on video dumping waste into a drainage channel and reported the incident to the authorities.
According to Dr. Gbadegesin, all 12 suspects have been taken into custody and will be prosecuted in line with the environmental laws of Lagos State.
He commended the resident whose vigilance led to the Ikorodu arrest, describing the action as an example of the public participation needed to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.
Dr. Gbadegesin warned that indiscriminate waste disposal into drains, road medians, sidewalks, and other unauthorised locations contributes to flooding, environmental degradation, and public health risks, stressing that enforcement operations will continue across the State.
He urged residents, businesses, and institutions to patronise only approved Private Sector Participants (PSPs), comply with proper waste management practices, and report environmental offenders through official government channels.
The LAWMA boss reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to sustaining a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient environment through continuous enforcement, public awareness, and collaboration with relevant agencies.
