Rofiat Waheed, Lagos
The Lagos State Government has arrested 46 men and women for engaging in open defecation during coordinated early morning operations across Lagos Island between February 20 and 22, 2026.
The arrests were carried out by the state’s Anti-Open Defecation Squad, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said in a statement.
The operations targeted habitual open defecation black spots in areas including Ebute Ero, Apongbon, Isale Eko, Marina, CMS, Obalende, and Adeniji Adele.
“On 20 February, 20 offenders were apprehended; 15 additional suspects were arrested on 21 February, while 11 more were picked up on 22 February during sustained surveillance operations,” Gbadegesin said.
He added that all suspects have been taken to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps headquarters in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution under the state’s environmental laws.
Gbadegesin noted that the exercise forms part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate open defecation, protect public health, and maintain sanitation standards.
He warned that offenders would continue to face arrest and prosecution, urging residents and businesses to use approved public sanitation facilities.
