Despite the Lagos State Government apprehending more than 500 beggars and destitute persons in June, street begging continues across many parts of Lagos.
The state intensified its enforcement campaign against street begging and related activities, with a total of 515 beggars and destitute persons apprehended across various parts of the state in June 2026, according to a review of official operations by THE WHISTLER.
The enforcement operations were carried out by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) in coordinated raids across major locations, including Oshodi, Agege, CMS, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Ikeja, Mushin, Alimosho and Falomo.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has maintained that the exercise is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to maintain public order, promote environmental sanitation and safeguard residents.
In the first recorded operation, 144 individuals, including adults, teenagers and children, were arrested across Oshodi, Agege and CMS.
In a separate operation, enforcement officers apprehended 19 persons on Lagos Island, comprising 11 adults and eight children, while another 21 individuals were arrested at Ikorodu Garage and along the Ikeja axis.
Another operation across Oshodi, Alimosho, Ikeja and surrounding areas led to the arrest of 69 persons, including 63 adults and six children, according to official disclosures.
A further sweep by LAGESC operatives resulted in the arrest of 36 street beggars across Falomo, Mushin and Alimosho.
On June 18, a joint team comprising the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force and LAGESC apprehended 226 beggars in what was the largest single operation during the month.
Altogether, the figures from the various enforcement operations publicly shared by Wahab on his social media platforms total 515 arrests in June, according to an independent review and compilation by THE WHISTLER.
The latest operations come amid renewed efforts by the state government to curb the growing presence of street beggars along major traffic corridors and in public spaces across Lagos.
However, observations by THE WHISTLER indicate that despite the enforcement exercises, street begging remains widespread across the state, raising questions about the long-term effectiveness of the operations.
In November 2025, THE WHISTLER reported growing concerns over the increasing visibility of beggars across the metropolis, from Abule-Egba to Lekki and from Oshodi to Ajah, where vulnerable individuals—including children, the elderly, teenagers and persons with disabilities—are frequently seen soliciting alms along roadsides, under bridges and at bus stops.
At the Abule-Egba underbridge, for instance, several destitute individuals have taken shelter, with many relying on public generosity for food and other basic needs.
