Lagos Arrests 12 Environmental Offenders In Crackdown On Illegal Waste Disposal

The Lagos State Government has arrested 12 environmental offenders during enforcement operations across Lagos Island, Yaba and Ikorodu as part of intensified efforts to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental violations.

In a post on its official X page on Thursday, the state said the operations were carried out by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in collaboration with the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps.

Speaking on the exercise, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the agency’s Project WISE Enforcement Team apprehended 11 suspects during surveillance operations at various locations on Lagos Island and the Yabatech axis of Yaba for offences including indiscriminate waste disposal, scavenging and other environmental infractions.

He identified the suspects as Onasanya Josphine, God’s Power, Lucky Osaigie, Goodness John, Rasheed Abass, Yaya Cidi, Abubakar Amosu, Monday Lawal, Sanni A. Sanni, Opere Badmus and Usman Nasir, adding that they would be prosecuted in accordance with the environmental laws of Lagos State.

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Gbadegesin also disclosed that KAI Corps officers arrested another suspect, Mr. John Ehidreme, during a separate operation in Ikorodu after a resident recorded and reported him allegedly emptying waste into a drainage channel in front of the school where he worked as a security guard.

“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.

The LAWMA boss described the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, road medians, sidewalks and other unauthorised locations as unacceptable, warning that such practices obstruct drainage systems, increase flood risks, degrade the environment and pose serious public health risks.

He said the arrests formed part of the Lagos State Government’s sustained enforcement campaign to strengthen compliance with environmental laws and eliminate illegal waste disposal across the state.

Gbadegesin added that surveillance and enforcement operations would continue in collaboration with relevant environmental and security agencies, urging residents, businesses and institutions to patronise only their assigned Private Sector Participants (PSPs) and report environmental violations through official government channels.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment through consistent enforcement, public engagement and inter-agency collaboration.