LAGOS, Nigeria — Fresh security concerns and a surge in the number of street beggars have prompted the Lagos State Government to intensify its crackdown on the practice in a renewed statewide enforcement operation, authorities have confirmed.
In one of the largest such exercises in recent times, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force, in conjunction with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, arrested 226 beggars on June 8 as part of a renewed daily enforcement push. The commissioner said those apprehended would be profiled and repatriated to their states of origin.
The intensified raids are driven by growing security anxieties nationwide, rising complaints from residents, and a noticeable influx of beggars, including into highbrow areas like Victoria Island and Lekki.
Officials have revealed that during previous operations, some individuals were found with weapons. A KAI spokesperson noted that some beggars had been arrested with knives and machetes hidden in the rollers used by the physically challenged.
Other security concerns include the potential use of beggars as decoys for criminals. Officials noted that “they can be used as decoys to attack people,” underscoring the security dimension of the exercise beyond environmental sanitation.
While no specific intelligence links the beggars to any immediate threat, the government is acting proactively to reassure residents. A police source clarified the force is not involved, noting the operation is a response to public concerns over the general security situation.
The enforcement has drawn mixed reactions. While some back the move as necessary for public safety, others criticise it as a superficial approach. The government maintains the exercise is routine and part of broader efforts to maintain public order.
With the enforcement continuing, authorities have urged residents to channel donations through registered organisations rather than giving alms directly. For now, the crackdown continues, driven by a volatile mix of security fears and rising public anxiety.
