Kwara intensifies crackdown on street begging over security risks

The Kwara State Government has stepped up enforcement against street begging after the arrest of a suspected bandit who allegedly posed as a beggar in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The development was disclosed on Friday by the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, during a monitoring and enforcement exercise across the Ilorin metropolis. Her remarks were conveyed in a statement on Saturday by the ministry’s Press Secretary, Rasheedat Shodunke.

Imam described the incident as a serious security breach, warning that criminal elements could exploit street begging as a cover for unlawful activities.

“This incident is a clear indication that street begging could be used by criminals to threaten public safety,” she said, stressing that the government would not tolerate such practices.

While reaffirming the state’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents through structured rehabilitation and empowerment programmes, the commissioner said authorities would take firm action against individuals using begging as a disguise for crime.

She also cautioned parents and guardians against sending children or dependants to beg on the streets, noting that doing so exposes them to exploitation, abuse and other dangers.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies. Imam further advised the public to channel assistance for vulnerable persons through credible and government-approved social intervention programmes rather than indiscriminate street almsgiving.

The ministry said enforcement operations have begun in the Ilorin metropolis and will be extended to other local government areas across the state. It warned that anyone found engaging in or facilitating street begging would face legal consequences in line with existing laws.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and maintaining public safety across the state.