The Lagos State Government has arrested 46 residents for open defecation during coordinated enforcement operations across Lagos Island.
The arrests were carried out by the Anti-Open Defecation Squad between February 20 and 22 in areas including Ebute Ero, Apongbon, Isale Eko, Marina, CMS, Obalende and Adeniji Adele.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement on Sunday, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, said the suspects were apprehended during sustained surveillance targeting known sanitation blackspots.
“On 20th February, 20 offenders were apprehended; 15 additional suspects were arrested on 21st February; while 11 more were picked up on 22nd February during sustained surveillance operations targeting habitual open defecation blackspots,” he said.
Gbadegesin added that the suspects have been transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the state’s environmental laws.
He explained that the enforcement is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate open defecation, protect public health, and maintain sanitation standards across Lagos.
The LAWMA chief warned that open defecation violates environmental regulations and poses serious health and environmental risks, particularly in densely populated commercial areas.
He urged residents and business operators to use approved public sanitation facilities and avoid actions that undermine environmental sustainability.
Gbadegesin also stressed that enforcement operations would continue, warning that offenders would face arrest and prosecution.
