The Lagos State Government has arrested 45 individuals, including adults, teenagers and children, during separate enforcement operations targeting street begging in different parts of the state.

The Commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development in a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday.

According to Wahab, 22 beggars, comprising adults and a few teenagers, were apprehended during an operation conducted in Oshodi and Agege.

He added that another 23 persons, including 14 adults and nine children, were arrested during a similar exercise at CMS.

“Earlier today, in a separate enforcement operation, our team apprehended 22 beggars at Oshodi and Agege, comprising adults and a few teenagers.

“Additionally, 14 adults and 9 children were apprehended at CMS,” the commissioner stated.

Wahab noted that the state government has continued its clearance and enforcement operations in other areas, including Admiralty Way in Lekki and Addo Road in Ajah, as part of efforts to rid the metropolis of street begging and environmental infractions.

The latest arrests come amid the state government’s intensified environmental enforcement campaign across Lagos.

On May 25, Wahab revealed that enforcement activities carried out within one year resulted in the arrest of 10,634 offenders across the state.

According to him, 5,715 persons were apprehended for illegally crossing highways, while 3,886 others were arrested for offences ranging from street trading and environmental violations to cart pushing.

He further disclosed that 102 individuals were arrested for open defecation, while 931 others were apprehended for various waste management-related offences.

The Lagos State Government has repeatedly warned residents against activities that violate environmental and public safety regulations, insisting that enforcement operations would continue across the state.