Officials enforcing sanitation laws in Lagos State have apprehended five individuals during an early morning operation aimed at curbing open defecation and other environmental nuisances.
The development was disclosed by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a video shared on X on Thursday.
According to Wahab, the enforcement exercise was carried out around Ebute Ero and surrounding areas on Lagos Island.
He explained that the operation was conducted by the state’s anti-open defecation squad as part of ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and eliminate environmental pollution across the state.
“Anti-open defecation squad on early morning duty at Ebute Ero and environs in Lagos Island, to curb open defecation and other environmental nuisances,” Wahab said.
He added that five individuals were arrested during the exercise for violating environmental sanitation regulations.
According to the commissioner, the suspects have been taken to the enforcement office at Sura-Simpson for further investigation.
They are expected to be transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps in Oshodi, where they will face prosecution in line with existing environmental laws.
Wahab noted that the operation forms part of the state government’s wider strategy to tackle open defecation and promote a cleaner and healthier environment.
The Lagos State Government has repeatedly warned residents and visitors to desist from open defecation and other activities that threaten public health.
Authorities also revealed that at least 275 people have been arrested across different parts of the state for defecating in public places, despite the availability of about 8,710 functional public toilets.
Officials say enforcement activities will continue as the government intensifies efforts to improve environmental sanitation and maintain public hygiene across Lagos.
