Lagos Arrests 396 Beggars, Begins Plans to Return Them to Home States

The Lagos State Government has arrested 396 beggars in a fresh operation aimed at enforcing the state’s environmental and public order laws, with plans to profile those affected before returning them to their states of origin.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development in a statement shared on his X handle on Tuesday.

According to him, the exercise was carried out by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI Corps) as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to rid the state of street begging and other activities considered unlawful.

“A total of 396 beggars were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps as part of the Lagos State Government’s sustained efforts to sanitise the state and curb illegal activities,” Wahab said.

He explained that the arrested persons would undergo profiling and receive appropriate assistance where necessary before being handed over to relevant authorities for relocation to their respective states.

“The apprehended individuals will be profiled, provided with appropriate assistance where necessary, and handed over to the relevant authorities to facilitate their safe return to their respective states,” he added.

Wahab said the operation forms part of broader measures by the state government to improve environmental sanitation, strengthen public safety and maintain order across Lagos.

According to him, the exercise underscores the government’s commitment to creating a cleaner, safer and more secure environment for residents.

Street begging is prohibited under Lagos State law, while giving money to beggars on major roads and highways also constitutes an offence.

The state government has consistently urged residents to support the less privileged through recognised religious organisations and registered charitable bodies rather than giving alms directly on the streets.