The Lagos state government has confirmed it was indeed their agents that arrested some “street boys” during on Tuesday.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, who made this known in a short statement he personally issued on his verified social media handle on Wednesday said that the “suspects” were arrested by the Lagos State Environmental Task Force on Tuesday evening.
He confirmed the arrest of 15 minors and 12 others, making a total of 27 people in the state for involvement in street and traffic begging.
The commissioner said that they were arrested when the Task Force raided Awolowo road up to Falomo roundabout in Ikoyi and Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue in Victoria Island.
He said, “The Lagos State Environmental Task Force yesterday evening, continued its raid operation against persons constituting public nuisance across the metropolis.
“Major routes raided include: Awolowo Way up to Falomo roundabout, Ikoyi and Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, along Lekki road.”
Wahab noted, “This is in a bid to arrest and get rid of destitute and miscreants causing public nuisance in the areas.”
According to the commissioner, “27 persons including 15 minors involved in the unlawful act of street begging in the middle of vehicular traffic/hold-ups were apprehended during the operation.
“All suspects will be transferred to appropriate government facilities in line with relevant enabling laws.”