The Lagos State Government, through its Anti-Open Defecation Squad, has arrested 46 suspects during coordinated early morning enforcement operations across Lagos Island as part of efforts to strengthen environmental sanitation compliance.
Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed that the arrests were carried out between February 20 and 22, 2026, during routine monitoring exercises conducted around Ebute Ero and adjoining locations including Apongbon, Isale Eko, Marina, CMS, Obalende and Adeniji Adele.
According to Gbadegesin, 20 offenders were apprehended on February 20, followed by the arrest of 15 additional suspects on February 21, while 11 more individuals were picked up on February 22 during sustained surveillance operations targeting identified open defecation blackspots.
“All suspects have been transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the environmental laws of Lagos State,” he said.
He explained that the enforcement exercise forms part of ongoing initiatives by the state government to eliminate open defecation, safeguard public health and uphold environmental sanitation standards across Lagos.
Gbadegesin reiterated that open defecation violates existing environmental regulations and poses significant health and environmental risks, particularly within densely populated commercial and residential corridors.
He urged residents and business operators to utilise approved public sanitation facilities and refrain from practices capable of undermining the state’s environmental sustainability efforts.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement, Gbadegesin warned that individuals found violating sanitation laws would continue to face arrest and prosecution under existing environmental regulations.
