19 street traders detained, 14 arrested for open refuse burning in Lagos

Abdullateef Fowewe

Operatives from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps have arrested fourteen individuals at HITECH, Ozumba Mbadiwe axis over the illegal act of open burning of refuse.

Additional arrests were made near the Law School in Victoria Island for similar offenses.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on Monday, noted that in a broader sweep, 19 street traders were detained across Victoria and Lagos Islands for various environmental infractions, including the illegal trading in public spaces and improper waste disposal.

He said, “Enforcement remains key to maintaining a cleaner, healthier Lagos. Today, 14 miscreants were arrested at HITECH, Ozumba Mbadiwe for open burning of refuse, while others were apprehended near Law School, Victoria Island.

“Additionally, 19 street traders were arrested across Victoria and Lagos Islands for environmental infractions.

“Lagosians must embrace proper waste disposal and respect public spaces. Advocacy continues, but enforcement will not relent.”