By Ireti Asemota.
Lagos State authorities swung into action on Tuesday, November 11, launching a sweeping clearance drive along the bustling Ketu-Alapere road to evict beggars and other individuals creating public disturbances.
The operation, spearheaded by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), targeted those occupying road medians and impeding traffic flow, as part of broader initiatives to restore order and enhance urban livability.
State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the move via a post on X, accompanied by a video showcasing the roundup. He outlined the enforcement as a key step in upholding cleanliness and safety standards across the megacity.
“Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps @LAGESCOfficial today commenced a clearance operation at Ketu-Alapere, removing beggars and other individuals constituting nuisance along the road median. This exercise is part of our ongoing efforts to maintain order, ensure free flow of traffic, and keep our public spaces clean and safe for all. Every part of Lagos must reflect the standard of a #CleanerLagos and a #GreaterLagos. All the individuals arrested will be profiled and handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary actions.”
Wahab emphasized that the arrested persons would undergo profiling before being transferred to relevant agencies for further handling, signaling a structured approach to rehabilitation and enforcement.
This crackdown aligns with Lagos’ relentless push for a sanitized, efficient metropolis, where street encroachments have long plagued mobility and aesthetics. Similar sweeps have ramped up in recent months, targeting hotspots to foster a “zero-tolerance” vibe for urban decay.
Residents and commuters have welcomed the initiative, citing smoother traffic and safer walkways, though advocates urge complementary social support for the vulnerable to prevent recurrence.
#LagosCleanup #KetuAlapere #CleanerLagos #GreaterLagos #LAGESC #TokunboWahab #UrbanSanitation
