The Lagos State Government has arrested 12 environmental offenders in Lagos Island, Yaba and Ikorodu as LAWMA and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps stepped up enforcement against illegal waste disposal across the state.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the agency’s Project WISE Enforcement Team arrested 10 suspects during separate surveillance operations in parts of Lagos Island and one suspect around the Yabatech area of Yaba.
The suspects allegedly committed offences such as illegal waste disposal, scavenging and other environmental violations.
They include Onasanya Josphine (arrested at Yaba), God’s Power, Lucky Osaigie, Goodness John, Rasheed Abass, Yaya Cidi, Abubakar Amosu, Monday Lawal, Sanni A. Sanni, Opere Badmus and Usman Nasir.
Gbadegesin said authorities had taken all the suspects into custody. He added that they would face prosecution under Lagos State environmental laws.
KAI arrests school guard in Ikorodu
However, the LAWMA boss said KAI Corps officers also arrested a school security guard in Ikorodu after a concerned resident recorded him emptying waste into a drainage channel outside the school where he worked.
He identified the suspect as Mr. John Ehidreme. According to him, authorities have taken the suspect into custody and will prosecute him under the state’s environmental laws.
Gbadegesin praised the resident who reported the incident. He said the action showed the level of public support needed to keep Lagos clean.
“We commend the public-spirited citizen whose timely intervention made this enforcement action possible. Environmental protection is a shared responsibility, and we encourage residents to emulate this example by reporting environmental offenders through the appropriate government channels. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos,” he said.
Gbadegesin described dumping waste in drains, road medians, sidewalks and other unauthorised places as unacceptable. He said the practice blocks drainage channels, increases flood risks, damages the environment and threatens public health.
He said the latest arrests form part of the Lagos State Government’s ongoing enforcement campaign to stop illegal waste disposal, improve compliance with environmental laws and protect residents.
He added that surveillance and enforcement operations would continue across Lagos through collaboration among environmental and security agencies.
He also urged residents, businesses and institutions to use only their assigned Private Sector Participants (PSPs) for waste collection and report environmental violations through official government channels.
However, Gbadegesin reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos through stronger enforcement, community participation and cooperation among relevant agencies.
External Links
Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA)
Lagos State Government
Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources
