Lagos Arrests 46 Suspects In Fresh Crackdown On Open Defecation

The Lagos State Government has stepped up enforcement against open defecation, arresting 46 offenders in a renewed crackdown across key commercial corridors on Lagos Island.

The arrests were carried out by the state’s Anti-Open Defecation Squad during early morning operations at identified sanitation blackspots as part of ongoing efforts to enforce environmental laws and protect public health.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement posted on the state government’s official platform on Tuesday.

According to the statement, 20 offenders were apprehended on February 20, 15 more on February 21, and another 11 on February 22, following sustained surveillance of locations notorious for habitual open defecation.

Gbadegesin said the monitoring operations covered Ebute Ero and surrounding areas such as Apongbon, Isale Eko, Marina, CMS, Obalende and Adeniji Adele—areas known for intense commercial activities.

“All suspects have been transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in line with Lagos State environmental laws,” the statement said.

He explained that the enforcement drive was part of broader state efforts to eliminate open defecation, safeguard public health and uphold environmental sanitation standards across the metropolis.

Gbadegesin warned that open defecation poses serious health and environmental risks, especially in densely populated areas, and urged residents and business operators to use approved public sanitation facilities, stressing that offenders would continue to face arrest and prosecution.