LAWMA arrests 46 over open defecation in Lagos

The Lagos State Government, through its Anti-Open Defecation Squad, has arrested 46 offenders during coordinated early morning enforcement operations across Lagos Island.

Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that those apprehended included both male and female suspects.

He said the arrests were carried out between February 20 and 22 during routine monitoring around Ebute Ero and nearby areas such as Marina, CMS, Obalende and Adeniji Adele.

According to Gbadegesin, 20 offenders were arrested on February 20, 15 more on February 21, and another 11 on February 22 as authorities intensified surveillance at identified open defecation hotspots.

“All suspects have been transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in line with Lagos environmental laws,” he said.

He explained that the enforcement forms part of the government’s ongoing campaign to eliminate open defecation, protect public health and uphold sanitation standards across the state.

Gbadegesin warned that open defecation contravenes environmental regulations and poses significant health and environmental risks, particularly in densely populated commercial areas.

He urged residents and business owners to make use of approved public sanitation facilities and avoid practices that undermine the state’s environmental sustainability drive.

The LAWMA boss reaffirmed that monitoring and enforcement would continue, stressing that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.