The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), in furtherance of its enforcement against illegal street trading, has arrested 13 persons for trading in unauthorised places across the State, including Festac, Mile 2 and Ikorodu.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that the arrests were made during operations carried out between Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 October 2026 at the different locations.
Gbadegesin reiterated that roads, walkways, medians, road setbacks and other unauthorised public spaces must remain clean, accessible and free from activities that obstruct their intended use, urging traders to operate only in designated and approved markets.
Those arrested in Festac and Mile 2 on Monday are Joy Opeyemi, Abigail Manga, Chinasa Eze, Saika Taira, AbdulRasheed Elinu, Charles Nwango, Mustapha Abubakar, Aliyu Garba, Kazinu Umar, Moses Idara, Ahmed Yinusa, Yusuf Usman and Amaka Chukunju.
On Tuesday, LAWMA’s Project WISE team, in collaboration with Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials and police officers, conducted a further enforcement operation in Ikorodu to dislodge illegal market traders operating in unauthorised locations and apprehended offenders.
The LAWMA boss said that the exercise was aimed at restoring order, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and preventing the obstruction of public spaces, while follow-up monitoring would be sustained to deter the return of illegal trading activities.
He stated that street trading in unauthorised public spaces contributed to illegal dumping, obstruction, disorder and environmental nuisance, undermining efforts to maintain clean and livable environment.
“Public roads and walkways must remain clear and accessible. We will sustain enforcement against unauthorised trading. We urge traders and residents to use approved markets,” he said.
Innocent Onoh
