Lagos State government has reportedly apprehended a total of 396 beggars as part of the Lagos State Government’s ongoing efforts to sanitize the state and tackle illegal activities.
The operatives carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps earlier on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the apprehended individuals would be profiled, provided with necessary assistance where required, and handed over to the appropriate authorities to facilitate their safe return to their respective states.
The latest exercise marks another large-scale sweep of beggars in the state, following a similar operation in June during which hundreds of beggars were also apprehended.
Lagos State government, however, stressed that the exercise underscores its commitment to maintaining public order, protecting the environment, and ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more secure Lagos for residents and visitors alike.
The development has since sparked mixed reactions on social media. While many users commended the government for the operation, others urged authorities to also address indiscriminate refuse dumping across the state.
“We respectfully seek your urgent intervention regarding the roads and streets around Ikota, Lekki to VGC. The area has become overwhelmed by indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the main Road, creating serious environmental and public health concerns.” A user stated.
Others questioned the legality of relocating homeless Nigerians within the country, arguing that citizens have the constitutional right to reside in any part of Nigeria regardless of their economic status or disability.
“what’s the legality of this if these people are Nigerians? Is there any law that says an unemployed, homeless Nigerians cannot reside in any part of the country????” @ifadesgun opined.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
