144 Arrested in Lagos State Street Begging Raids

On Wednesday, a total of 144 individuals were arrested across Lagos State for engaging in street begging, as disclosed by Tokunbo Wahab, a spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. The enforcement operations took place around 2:00 PM, with 45 people, including adults and children, apprehended in separate operations targeting street begging in the Oshodi and Agege areas.

Specifically, 22 beggars were arrested in Oshodi, comprising adults and a few teenagers, while an additional 23 individuals, including 14 adults and nine children, were apprehended in Agege. Wahab emphasized that street begging is illegal in Lagos State, and the government has previously warned residents and charitable organizations against supporting this practice.

The enforcement actions are part of ongoing efforts to ensure public spaces remain safe and clean, as street begging can lead to public nuisance and disorderly conduct.