The Kwara State Government has intensified its crackdown on street begging following the arrest of a suspected bandit who allegedly disguised himself as a beggar in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
 

In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Press Secretary, Rasheedat Shodunke, the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, disclosed the development while addressing officers during a monitoring and enforcement exercise in the Ilorin metropolis.

She described the incident in Igbaja as a serious security breach that could undermine public safety if not addressed urgently.

“This incident is a serious security concern and a clear indication that street begging could be exploited by criminal elements to perpetrate unlawful acts and threaten public safety,” the commissioner said.

Imam stressed that while the government remains committed to supporting vulnerable persons through structured rehabilitation and empowerment programmes, it would not tolerate criminal infiltration under the guise of social vulnerability.

“While the state remains committed to protecting vulnerable persons through rehabilitation and empowerment programmes, we will not tolerate the use of street begging as a cover for criminal activities,” she declared.

She warned parents, guardians, and sponsors against sending children and dependents to beg on the streets, noting that such actions expose them to exploitation, abuse and serious security risks.

The commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.

She appealed to members of the public to channel their support for vulnerable people through credible, government-approved social intervention platforms rather than indiscriminate street giving.

The ministry confirmed that the ongoing enforcement operations, which have commenced in Ilorin, would be extended to all local government areas of the state.

Imam added that individuals or groups found engaging in or facilitating street begging would face strict legal consequences in line with existing Kwara State laws.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while promoting a safer and more socially responsible society.