Lagos arrests 46 suspected offenders over open defecation

Ebun Emmanuel – February 23, 2026

The Lagos State Government has apprehended 46 male and female offenders during coordinated early morning operations against open defecation on Lagos Island.

The Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He noted that the arrests were made between February 20 and 22, during routine exercises around Ebute Ero and adjoining areas, as well as Marina, CMS, Obalende and Adeniji Adele.

He said, “On February 20, 20 offenders were apprehended; 15 additional suspects were arrested on February 21, while 11 more were picked up on February 22, during sustained surveillance operations targeting habitual open defecation black spots,” he said.

According to him, all suspects have been transferred to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps headquarters in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in line with Lagos State Environmental Laws.

Gbadegesin explained that the enforcement is part of the state government’s efforts to eliminate open defecation, safeguard public health and maintain environmental sanitation standards across the metropolis.

He said that open defecation violates environmental regulations and poses serious health and environmental risks, particularly within densely populated commercial corridors.

The LAWMA boss urged residents and business operators to utilise approved public sanitation facilities.