The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has arrested seven persons accused of engaging in illegal waste disposal during an overnight enforcement operation in the Pattey area of Lagos Island.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, forms part of the agency’s sustained crackdown on illegal waste disposal points and other environmental violations across Lagos State.
According to LAWMA, the suspects were apprehended for prosecution. They were identified as Nafisat Alabi, 30, from Kwara State; Aminullah Abdulrasheed, 49, Kwara; Segun Adeyemi, 45, Ogun; Gboyega Osuntuyi, 44, Ekiti; Segun Olowe, 26, Osun; Adebayo Ibrahim, 29, Oyo; and Stephen Ogboru, 36, Delta.
The enforcement exercise was reportedly met with resistance after a group of suspected hoodlums stormed the LAWMA field office in the area and attempted to disrupt the operation and interfere with the enforcement officers.
The situation was brought under control following the deployment of a tactical team by the Area Commander of the Lion Building Police Station to reinforce the LAWMA personnel.
LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the agency would sustain its enforcement activities to curb illegal waste disposal across the state.
“LAWMA will not relent in enforcing waste management regulations. Sustained monitoring and enforcement remain essential to curbing illegal dumping and promoting responsible waste practices,” he said.
The seven suspects have since been transferred to the Task Force Office in Oshodi for prosecution.
Gbadegesin commended the police for their prompt response, while urging residents, traders and businesses operating in the area to cooperate with LAWMA in maintaining a cleaner environment. He also warned members of the public against obstructing enforcement officers in the course of their duties.