LAWMA Arrests Seven in Lagos Island Night Operation Over Alleged Illegal Dumping
The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has arrested seven persons during a night enforcement operation targeting alleged illegal waste dumping at identified black spots in Lagos Island.
The arrests are part of the Authority’s renewed enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal as LAWMA intensifies efforts to tackle environmental abuse and keep Lagos cleaner.
Speaking on the operation, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadesin, noted that the arrests underscored the Authority’s determination to sustain enforcement against illegal waste disposal, particularly at locations identified as waste black spots across the state.
He explained that LAWMA personnel apprehended the suspects during a night monitoring operation in Lagos Island.
Those arrested were identified as Nafisat Alabi, 30, from Kwara State; Aminullah Abdulrasheed, 49, from Kwara State; Segun Adeyemi, 45, from Ogun State; Gboyega Osuntuyi, 44, from Ekiti State; Segun Olowe, 26, from Osun State; Adebayo Ibrahim, 29, from Oyo State; and Stephen Ogboru, 36, from Delta State.
The operation, however, reportedly encountered resistance when some persons described as area boys arrived at the LAWMA office in the area and attempted to interfere with the enforcement exercise.
According to Gbadesin, the situation was brought under control following the intervention of the Area Commander, Lion Building Police Station, who deployed officers to provide security support and allow LAWMA personnel to continue their duties.
The LAWMA boss maintained that the Authority would not relent in enforcing waste management regulations, stressing that sustained monitoring and enforcement were necessary to curb illegal dumping and encourage responsible waste disposal practices.
He disclosed that the seven apprehended waste offenders had been taken to the Task Force Office in Oshodi for prosecution in line with applicable procedures.
Gbadesin commended the security personnel for their prompt intervention and urged residents, traders and other stakeholders to cooperate with enforcement officers rather than obstruct lawful waste management operations.
He also called for greater public responsibility, stressing that a cleaner Lagos could only be achieved through proper waste disposal, compliance with environmental regulations and the collective support of residents, businesses and communities.
For LAWMA, the latest arrests reinforce its message that illegal dumping will continue to attract enforcement action as the Authority steps up efforts to protect Lagos from the health and environmental consequences of improper waste disposal.
