7.7.2026
Lagos State government said Tuesday that it has begun the process of profiling 396 beggars arrested from streets of Lagos and environ with a view of sending them back to their home states.
This development was disclosed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement shared via his official X social media platform.
The State government said those apprehended would also receive appropriate assistance where necessary before being handed over to the relevant authorities to facilitate their safe return.
“A total of 396 beggars were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps as part of the Lagos State Government’s sustained efforts to sanitize the state and curb illegal activities.
“The apprehended individuals will be profiled, provided with appropriate assistance where necessary, and handed over to the relevant authorities to facilitate their safe return to their respective states.”
Wahab said the exercise forms part of the government’s broader commitment to maintaining public order, protecting the environment, and ensuring a cleaner, safer and more secure Lagos.
The statement was accompanied by a video showing dozens of those apprehended during the enforcement exercise. The footage showed a mix of elderly men and women, middle-aged adults, and persons with disabilities, including some using crutches or wheelchairs and others with visibly deformed or amputated limbs, gathered after being taken into custody by officials.
In 2013, the state, under the administration of Babatunde Fashola, carried out a similar exercise in which destitute persons and beggars were removed from the streets, profiled, rehabilitated where necessary, and arrangements were made for some to be reunited with their families or returned to their respective states of origin.
Lagos clearing streets of beggars.