The Lagos State Government has intensified its crackdown on open defecation, arresting 46 offenders across major commercial areas on Lagos Island. The arrests were conducted by the state’s Anti-Open Defecation Squad during early morning operations targeting known sanitation blackspots.

The Managing Director and CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Tuesday.

“On 20th February, 20 offenders were apprehended; 15 additional suspects were arrested on 21st February; while 11 more were picked up on 22nd February during sustained surveillance operations targeting habitual open defecation blackspots,” the statement read.

The monitoring focused on high-traffic commercial locations, including Ebute Ero, Apongbon, Isale Eko, Marina, CMS, Obalende, and Adeniji Adele.

All 46 suspects were transferred to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) headquarters in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in line with Lagos State environmental laws.

Gbadegesin emphasized that the enforcement forms part of ongoing efforts to eliminate open defecation, protect public health, and maintain environmental sanitation standards. He urged residents and businesses to use approved public sanitation facilities and warned that offenders would continue to face arrest and prosecution.