LAWMA arrests 46 offenders as Lagos intensifies open defecation crackdown

Nike Popoola

The Lagos State Government, through its Anti-Open Defecation Squad, has apprehended 46 male and female offenders during coordinated early morning operations across Lagos Island.

Making this known on Sunday,MD/CEO LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin said that the arrests were made between 20th and 22nd February 2026 during routine monitoring exercises around Ebute Ero and adjoining areas, including Apongbon, Isale Eko, Marina, CMS, Obalende and Adeniji Adele.

His words : “On 20th February, 20 offenders were apprehended; 15 additional suspects were arrested on 21st February; while 11 more were picked up on 22nd February during sustained surveillance operations targeting habitual open defecation blackspots”.

A statement from the Director Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, according to him, all suspects had been transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the environmental laws of Lagos State.

Gbadegesin said that the enforcement exercise formed 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 constituted a violation of environmental regulations and posed serious health and environmental risks, particularly in densely populated commercial corridors.

He enjoined 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.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement operations, he warned that offenders would continue to face arrest and prosecution under the law.