By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Lagos State Government has arrested 281 street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, in a statewide enforcement exercise aimed at restoring public safety, environmental order and sanity across major roads and public spaces in the metropolis.
The arrests were carried out during a week-long operation by the Lagos State Taskforce, which targeted several strategic locations on both the Island and the Mainland.
According to the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the operation formed part of the state government’s intensified clampdown on street begging and related activities that pose risks to residents, motorists and pedestrians.
In a statement issued on Saturday, 17 January, 2026 via his official X account, Wahab disclosed that all 281 suspects arrested during the operation had already been arraigned in court.
“The suspects have since been arraigned in court,” the commissioner stated, confirming that due legal processes were followed after the arrests.
He further revealed that the enforcement exercise covered a wide range of locations across the state, including Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Bourdillon, Animashahun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, as well as other adjoining roads on both the Island and the Mainland.
Explaining the rationale behind the operation, Wahab said the exercise was designed to ensure that roads and public spaces remain free of obstructions and activities capable of endangering lives.
According to him, the goal is “keeping roads and public spaces clear, reducing safety risks to motorists and pedestrians, and maintaining environmental sanity in the state.”
The Commissioner urged residents to support the government’s efforts by promptly reporting any nuisance or disruptive activities caused by Omotaku or other street urchins.
He assured Lagosians of swift intervention by relevant authorities.
“Call 09137555111 or 09138555111 for swift response,” Wahab urged.
The Lagos State Government has maintained that the ongoing operations are part of a broader strategy to enforce law and order, improve public safety and enhance the quality of life across the state, particularly in high-traffic and densely populated areas.
