The Lagos State Government has arrested 46 suspects for alleged open defecation during coordinated early morning enforcement operations across Lagos Island.
The arrests were carried out by the state’s Anti-Open Defecation Squad between February 20 and 22 in busy commercial and high-traffic areas, including Ebute Ero, Marina, CMS, Obalende and Adeniji Adele.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, describing the operation as part of sustained surveillance targeting identified sanitation black spots.
According to him, 20 suspects were apprehended on February 20, 15 more on February 21, and 11 others on February 22 during intensified monitoring of habitual open defecation areas.
Gbadegesin stated that all those arrested have been handed over to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps headquarters in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in line with the state’s environmental sanitation laws.
He explained that the enforcement drive forms part of the government’s broader strategy to eliminate open defecation, safeguard public health and improve environmental hygiene across the state.
Describing open defecation as a violation of environmental regulations with serious health implications—particularly in densely populated commercial corridors—Gbadegesin urged residents, traders and business operators to use approved public sanitation facilities.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustained monitoring and strict enforcement, warning that violators of environmental laws would continue to face arrest and prosecution to ensure Lagos remains clean, safe and healthy.