Lagos Arrests 46 for Open Defecation in Three-Day Crackdown|LAGOS EYE NEWS

The Lagos State Government has arrested 46 persons for open defecation during coordinated enforcement operations across Lagos Island.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this on Sunday, stating that the arrests were carried out between February 20 and 22, 2026.

According to him, the suspects were apprehended during routine monitoring exercises around Ebute Ero and adjoining areas, including Apongbon, Isale Eko, Marina, CMS, Obalende and Adeniji Adele.

Gbadegesin explained that 20 offenders were arrested on February 20, 15 suspects on February 21, and 11 others on February 22 during sustained surveillance operations targeting habitual open defecation blackspots.

He added that all suspects had been transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in line with the environmental laws of the state.

The LAWMA boss said the enforcement drive formed part of ongoing efforts by the state government to eliminate open defecation, safeguard public health and uphold environmental sanitation standards across the metropolis.

He reiterated that open defecation violates environmental regulations and poses serious health and environmental risks, particularly in densely populated commercial areas.

Gbadegesin urged residents and business operators to make use of approved public sanitation facilities and refrain from acts capable of undermining the state’s environmental sustainability efforts.

He further warned that the government would sustain monitoring and enforcement operations, stressing that offenders would continue to face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.