Amanze Chinonye
The Lagos State Government has commenced the profiling and possible repatriation of 396 persons apprehended during a fresh enforcement operation targeting street begging and activities it says undermine public order and environmental standards across the state, Prime Business Africa reports.
The individuals were arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to sanitise public spaces and curb illegal activities.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO :
Group Urges Lagos Govt To Provide Temporary Accommodation For Building Demolition Victims
The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the apprehended persons would undergo profiling to determine their identities, backgrounds and specific welfare needs before appropriate interventions are provided.
He explained that those requiring assistance would receive necessary support, after which the relevant authorities would take over the process of facilitating their safe return to their respective states of origin.
The latest operation highlights the Lagos State Government’s continued approach of combining enforcement with social intervention in managing street begging and the presence of destitute persons in public spaces.
Beyond removing beggars from major roads and public areas, the government says the objective is to identify vulnerable individuals, assess their circumstances and support their reintegration with their families and communities where possible.
The move is not the first time Lagos has embarked on such an exercise. In 2013, during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, the state carried out a similar operation involving the removal of destitute persons and beggars from the streets.
Authorities at the time said those affected were profiled, with some receiving rehabilitation support before being reunited with their families or returned to their states of origin.
That exercise attracted nationwide attention after reports emerged that some of those relocated were from Anambra State, triggering debates over the humanitarian implications and sustainability of the policy.
READ MORE :
However, the Lagos State Government maintained that the initiative was part of a broader strategy to address street begging, protect vulnerable persons and maintain order in the state’s urban environment.
With the latest arrests, the government has renewed its position that public spaces must remain safe, clean and orderly, while insisting that persons found in vulnerable situations will be handled through profiling and appropriate support mechanisms.
The development underscores the continuing challenge of balancing urban regulation with social welfare concerns as Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, continues to manage rapid population growth and increasing pressure on public infrastructure.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
