LAWMA, KAI Corps arrest 12 over environmental violations in three operations
A total of 12 offenders have been arrested by the Lagos state Government for environmental violations in separate operations carried out in Lagos Island, Yaba, and Ikorodu as a part of intensified efforts to curb illegal waste disposal as well as other environmental violations.
The arrests, carried out by two of the state’s bodies, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps, form a part of the ongoing campaign by the state to promote environmental sanitation and enforce compliance with waste management laws.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin commented on the arrests, stating that the Project WISE Enforcement Team by the agency arrested 11 suspects during surveillance operations in Lagos Island and at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) axis for offences which include indiscriminate waste disposal, scavenging and other forms of environmental infractions.
The suspects, whom the Director assured had been taken into custody are Onasanya Josphine (arrested in Yaba operation), Godspower, Lucky Osaigie, Goodness John, Rasheed Abass, Yaya Cidi, Abubakar Amosu, Monday Lawal, Sanni A. Sanni, Opere Badmus and Usman Nasir. He also added that they would be prosecuted in accordance with the environmental laws of the state.
The operation in Ikorodu, led to operatives of KAI Corps arresting a school security guard after a concerned resident recorded and reported him allegedly emptying the contents of a waste bin into a drainage channel in front of the school where he was employed.
Identified as Mr John Ehidreme, the suspect has also been taken into custody and will face prosecution under the relevant environmental laws of the state.
The Director commended the efforts of the concerned resident.
“We commend the public-spirited citizen whose timely intervention made this enforcement action possible. Environmental protection is a shared responsibility, and we encourage residents to emulate this example by reporting environmental offenders through the appropriate government channels. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.”
Describing the indiscriminate dumping of waste in drainage channels, road medians and generally unauthorised locations as unacceptable, he noted that such practices obstruct drainage systems, increase the risk of flooding, degrade the environment and pose serious threats to public health.
Reiterating the state government’s commitment to maintaining a cleaner healthier and more sustainable Lagos, he added that surveillance and enforcement operations will be maintained across the state through close collaboration among relevant environmental and security agencies to ensure the apprehension and prosecution of offenders according to the law.
