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The Lagos State Government has arrested 46 people for open defecation during early morning enforcement operations across Lagos Island.
The arrests were carried out by the Anti-Open Defecation Squad between February 20 and 22, 2026, during routine checks around Ebute Ero and nearby areas, including Apongbon, Isale Eko, Marina, CMS, Obalende and Adeniji Adele.
Confirming the arrests, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said in a statement that the exercise was aimed at stopping the practice of open defecation in the state.
“On February 20, about 20 offenders were apprehended; 15 additional suspects were arrested on February 21, while 11 more were picked up on February 22 during sustained surveillance operations targeting habitual open defecation blackspots,” Gbadegesin said.
He explained that all the suspects, both men and women, were taken to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, LAGESC, in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with Lagos State environmental laws.
According to Gbadegesin, the enforcement exercise is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to stop open defecation, protect public health, and keep the environment clean across Lagos.
He stressed that open defecation violates environmental rules and poses serious health and safety risks, especially in busy commercial areas.
The LAWMA boss urged residents and business owners to use approved public toilets and avoid actions that can undermine the state’s efforts to maintain a safe and clean environment.
