Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a significant development in Lagos State’s ongoing campaign to restore order and public safety, government authorities have arrested 115 individuals identified as street beggars and secured the conviction of 26 suspected members of the so-called “Omotaku” group. The actions, announced on Monday by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, reflect an intensified enforcement initiative that has drawn both support and criticism from different sectors of the public.
The enforcement operation that led to the arrests and convictions forms part of a broader policy framework Lagos State has adopted in recent months to address persistent issues of public nuisance, obstruction of major thoroughfares and the presence of large numbers of street-connected individuals in commercial and high-traffic areas. The state government maintains that these measures are necessary to maintain public order and ensure the effective use of public spaces for residents, commuters and businesses.
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed the figures in a public statement shared on social media, explained that the 115 people apprehended during the exercise were found in various locations across the city of Lagos. These operations were carried out by relevant state agencies in a coordinated enforcement exercise aimed at addressing what the government describes as a growing threat to safety and urban hygiene.
The Omotaku group, often described by law enforcement officials as “notorious”, comprises predominantly street-connected youths and individuals who are alleged to engage in activities that disrupt traffic flow, intimidate road users and contribute to social disorder. Members of the group arrested over the past 24 hours were arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Oshodi, where they reportedly pleaded guilty to charges brought against them. The court sentenced all 26 to three months’ imprisonment in accordance with existing legal provisions.
Lagos State’s intensified enforcement operations have been gathering momentum since early 2026, following sustained complaints from residents, motorists and commercial operators about the proliferation of street beggars and criminal elements in key urban corridors. While the most recent figures refer specifically to the January arrests, the state’s task force has previously executed similar clean-up and enforcement raids. In earlier operations, hundreds of individuals popularly described as Omotaku were detained across various parts of the metropolis.
Government officials have framed the campaign within the context of the #ZeroToleranceLagos strategy, which seeks to ensure compliance with laws governing public order, environmental sanitation and the use of public infrastructure. Proponents of the policy argue that the presence of street beggars and groups like the Omotaku has negatively affected the city’s image, compromised safety on major roads and undermined efforts to attract investment and tourism.
However, these actions have not been without controversy. Human rights advocates and some civil society organisations have raised concerns about the approach taken by the Lagos State Government, particularly the mass arrests of vulnerable populations. Critics argue that arresting individuals for begging does not address the root causes of poverty, unemployment and social marginalisation that often drive people into informal survival activities. They contend that without corresponding social support structures, such enforcement measures risk further marginalising already vulnerable groups.
The public response reflects a range of views. Some Lagos residents have expressed support for the government’s approach, particularly those who experience daily disruptions caused by street-connected individuals in busy commercial districts. They argue that sustaining a safe and orderly environment is essential for economic activity and public confidence. Others, however, have questioned the fairness of imprisonment for offences like begging and have called for more humane, rehabilitative strategies that include education, skills training, and social welfare interventions.
Legal experts have weighed in on the issue, noting that municipal laws in Lagos and other Nigerian states often empower authorities to enforce public safety and cleanliness standards. Still, they stress that enforcement should be balanced with respect for fundamental human rights and that due process must be upheld in every case. Observers also point out that the long-term success of such campaigns depends on comprehensive policy frameworks that integrate social protection with public order objectives.
The Lagos State Government has signalled its intention to continue these enforcement operations in the coming weeks, with Commissioner Wahab stressing the administration’s commitment to ensuring compliance with existing laws and maintaining what it describes as a “safe, orderly and habitable environment” for all residents. According to official statements, the drive will persist across multiple sectors of the state, including commercial hubs, transit corridors and residential districts.
Observers tracking the enforcement initiatives note that similar operations have been conducted periodically in Lagos over the past year. These have included crackdowns on both street beggars and groups characterised by authorities as public nuisances or security threats. The aim, from the government’s perspective, has been to assert control over urban spaces and improve the overall quality of life in Africa’s largest city.
Critics, however, maintain that such measures should be accompanied by robust social policies that provide pathways out of poverty and prevent the conditions that push individuals into street begging in the first place. They argue that social inclusion strategies, partnerships with non-governmental organisations and investment in education and vocational training are necessary to complement enforcement actions and promote long-term stability.
As the state administration prepares to assess the impact of the recent arrests and jail sentences, stakeholders across Lagos are likely to continue debating the effectiveness and humanitarian implications of the government’s approach. For residents directly affected by street crime and disorder, the immediate concern remains public safety and access to city spaces without harassment. Meanwhile, advocates for marginalised populations will be watching closely to see whether future policies incorporate broader social welfare considerations alongside enforcement.
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