Lagos arrests 46 suspects for open defecation

2026-02-23 - 11:17

By Olasunkanmi Akoni The Lagos State Government, through its Anti-Open Defecation Squad, has apprehended 46 suspects — both male and female — during coordinated early morning operations across Lagos Island. Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed on Monday that the arrests were made between February 20 and 22, 2026, during routine monitoring exercises around Ebute Ero and adjoining areas, including Apongbon, Isale Eko, Marina, CMS, Obalende, and Adeniji Adele. According to Gbadegesin, 20 offenders were apprehended on February 20, 15 additional suspects were arrested on February 21, while 11 more were picked up on February 22 during sustained surveillance operations targeting habitual open defecation blackspots. “All suspects have been transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the environmental laws of Lagos State,” he said. Gbadegesin explained that the enforcement exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the state government to eliminate open defecation, protect public health, and maintain environmental sanitation standards across the metropolis. He reiterated that open defecation constitutes a violation of environmental regulations and poses serious health and environmental risks, particularly in densely populated commercial corridors. He therefore urged residents and business operators to make use of approved public sanitation facilities and desist from acts capable of undermining the state’s environmental sustainability drive. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement operations, Gbadegesin warned that offenders would continue to face arrest and prosecution under existing environmental laws.