BY: AYO AGBEOLUWAYE

The Lagos State Government, Anti-Open Defecation Squad have arrested forty-six male and female offenders during coordinated early-morning operations across Lagos Island over open defecation offences.

The enforcement exercise which was carried out around Ebute Ero and adjoining areas, including Apongbon, Isale Eko, Marina, CMS, Obalende, and Adeniji Adele.

Speaking on the arrest and prosecution of the offenders, the Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, revealed that the offenders were apprehended within two days of sustained surveillance operations targeting habitual open defecation blackspots.

The LAWMA boss stated explained that all suspects has formally been transferred to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) for further investigation and prosecution in line with the environmental laws of Lagos State, explaining that the enforcement exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the state government to eliminate open defecation, safeguard public health, and uphold environmental sanitation standards across the metropolis.

Dr. Gbadegesin reiterated Lagos state zero tolerance to open defecation which violates environmental regulations and poses serious health and environmental risks, particularly in densely populated commercial corridors.

He urged residents and business operators to make use of approved public sanitation facilities and refrain from acts that undermine the state’s environmental sustainability drive.

The latest crackdown comes barely a week after authorities secured the conviction of 17 individuals by a Lagos Magistrate Court for engaging in open defecation and urination.

The offenders, who appeared before the Magistrate Court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi, were each fined ₦40,000 or sentenced to one month’s imprisonment.