A resident of Meiran, Lagos, has been arrested for allegedly dumping waste into a drainage channel during rainfall, in a joint enforcement operation by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and the Mobile Police.
The arrest followed a tip-off from members of the public, allowing enforcement officers to respond quickly to the alleged environmental offence.
LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, commending residents who alerted authorities to the incident.
Gbadegesin said the woman, who resides at No. 13, Lanre Adefiranye Street, Baale Bus Stop, Meiran, was apprehended while allegedly disposing of waste into a drainage channel during rainfall.
She was subsequently taken to the KAI headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with the law.
The LAWMA boss urged Lagos residents not to remain silent when they witness practices capable of worsening flooding or damaging the environment.
“Members of the public have an important role to play in protecting our environment. When you see indiscriminate dumping or any other environmental violation, speak up and report it,” he said.
Gbadegesin stressed that timely information from residents could help enforcement agencies intervene before environmental violations become larger public problems.
He encouraged Lagosians to embrace the principle, “If you see something, say something,” describing environmental protection as a shared responsibility between government agencies and communities.
LAWMA warned that dumping waste into drains can obstruct the free flow of stormwater, increasing flooding risks during heavy rainfall while also posing threats to public health and the environment.
The Authority therefore urged residents to use approved waste disposal channels and desist from dumping refuse in drainage channels, roads, medians and other unauthorised locations.
By Innocent Onoh
