The Lagos State Government has arrested 12 environmental offenders in a renewed enforcement drive targeting illegal waste disposal in Lagos Island, Yaba and Ikorodu.
The arrests were carried out by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in collaboration with the Kick Against Indiscipline Corps (KAI), as authorities intensified efforts to curb environmental violations across the state.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed that 10 suspects were apprehended during surveillance operations by the agency’s Project WISE Enforcement Team in different parts of Lagos Island, while another was arrested around the Yabatech axis in Yaba.
According to him, the suspects were arrested for offences including indiscriminate waste disposal, illegal scavenging and other environmental infractions. He noted that all suspects had been taken into custody and would be prosecuted in line with Lagos State environmental laws.
In a separate operation in Ikorodu, officials of the KAI Corps arrested a school security guard identified as John Ehidreme after he was caught on video disposing waste into a drainage channel in front of his workplace. The incident, reported by a concerned citizen, prompted swift action by authorities.
Gbadegesin commended the whistleblower, describing the act as a strong example of civic responsibility and public participation in environmental protection.
He stressed that indiscriminate dumping of waste in drainage channels, roadsides and other unauthorised locations remained unacceptable, warning that such practices could block drainage systems, increase flood risks and pose serious threats to public health.
The LAWMA boss said the arrests were part of the state government’s sustained enforcement strategy to ensure compliance with environmental laws and maintain public health standards.
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He added that surveillance and enforcement operations would continue across Lagos through collaboration among environmental and security agencies, urging residents and businesses to patronise only assigned waste collectors and report environmental violations through official channels.
The state government reiterated its commitment to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos through consistent enforcement, community engagement and strategic partnerships.
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