Lagos govt cracks down on street begging, arrests 144 in fresh operation

The Lagos State Government has arrested 144 beggars across various parts of the state as part of an ongoing enforcement operation to clear public spaces.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a post on X on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Wahab stated that the arrests were recorded as of 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Wahab said the enforcement officials earlier apprehended 22 beggars in Oshodi and Agege, including adults and a few teenagers.

The commissioner added that another operation at the CMS area led to the arrest of 23 individuals, comprising 14 adults and nine children.

He wrote: “A total of 144 beggars across Lagos State had been arrested as of 1400hrs today.

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“Earlier today, in a separate enforcement operation, our team apprehended 22 beggars at Oshodi and Agege, comprising adults and a few teenagers. Additionally, 14 adults and 9 children were apprehended at CMS.

“Clearance operations are also ongoing at Admiralty Way, Lekki, and Addo Road in Ajah.”

The latest exercise forms part of the Lagos State Government’s efforts to address street begging and maintain order in public areas across the state.

The government has yet to provide details on the next steps regarding the arrested individuals, including possible rehabilitation measures or reunification efforts for the children involved.