By FABIAN EKERUCHE

The Lagos State Government, through its Anti-Open Defecation Squad, has apprehended 46 male and female offenders during coordinated early morning operations across Lagos Island.

Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

He noted that the arrests were made between February 20 and 22, during routine monitoring exercises around Ebute Ero and adjoining areas, including Marina, CMS, Obalende and Adeniji Adele.

“On February 20, 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 black spots,” he said.

According to him, all suspects have been transferred to the headquarters of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps in Oshodi for further investigation and prosecution in line with Lagos State Environmental Laws.

Gbadegesin explained that the enforcement exercise forms part of the State Government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate open defecation, safeguard public health and to maintain environmental sanitation standards across the metropolis.

He said that open defecation violates environmental regulations and poses serious health and environmental risks, particularly within densely populated commercial corridors.

The LAWMA boss urged residents and business operators to utilise approved public sanitation facilities, and desist from acts capable of undermining the State’s environmental sustainability drive.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement, warning that offenders would continue to face arrest and prosecution in line with the law. (NAN)