The Lagos State Government has apprehended 36 individuals for engaging in illegal street trading and displaying goods on road medians along the Ojo-Alaba axis. The operation, carried out jointly by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force, resulted in the arrest of 34 men and two women.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Kunle Adeshina, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the enforcement action followed an earlier inspection of Alaba Rago Market by officials led by Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources.
Background to the Enforcement Action
During his visit to the market, Commissioner Wahab had expressed concerns over the unsanitary conditions in and around the trading area. He subsequently issued a directive giving traders operating on the median a deadline to vacate the area. The arrests were made after this deadline expired, demonstrating the government's commitment to restoring order and environmental compliance in public spaces.
"A joint operation of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps and the Lagos Waste Management Agency carried out a clearance operation along Ojo-Alaba Road, dislodging illegal traders selling on the median," read part of a statement attributed to Commissioner Wahab.
The statement further noted that three individuals were specifically arrested for obstructing government operations during the exercise. Adeshina confirmed that all arrested persons would be arraigned in court in accordance with relevant Lagos State laws.
Lagos Government's Ongoing Environmental Efforts
This enforcement action is part of broader efforts by the Lagos State Government to address environmental challenges and improve urban management across the metropolis. Recent weeks have seen similar operations targeting illegal waste dumping, unauthorized structures, and other environmental infractions.
The government has repeatedly emphasized its zero-tolerance approach to activities that compromise public health, safety, and environmental standards, particularly in high-density commercial areas like the Alaba market vicinity.
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