Lagos Arrests Nine Children Among 45 Beggars in Citywide Crackdown
The Lagos State Government has arrested 45 beggars, including nine children, during enforcement operations carried out in Oshodi, Agege, and CMS. The operation has triggered renewed attention on child protection concerns involving vulnerable children in public spaces.
Authorities said the arrests were made during separate clearance exercises across major areas of the state. Officials noted that both adults and minors were taken into custody during the exercise.
According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, 22 persons were first apprehended in Oshodi and Agege. He added that additional arrests followed in CMS, where 14 adults and nine children were picked up.
The presence of children among those arrested has raised questions about their welfare and safeguarding. Child protection advocates stress that children found in street situations often face higher risks of exploitation, neglect, and abuse.
From a safeguarding perspective, such children require assessment, not only enforcement action. Experts argue that separation from unsafe environments should be followed by proper social support systems.
Meanwhile, the government said clearance operations are ongoing in other parts of Lagos, including Lekki and Ajah. Officials insist the exercises aim to restore order and address environmental concerns across the state.
In previous operations, thousands of people have been arrested for various environmental and public order offences. These include street trading, illegal crossings, and waste-related violations.
However, child rights stakeholders continue to call for a stronger welfare-based response for children involved in such operations. They emphasize rehabilitation, family tracing, and reintegration into safe environments.
As enforcement continues, attention remains on how authorities balance public order with child protection responsibilities. Stakeholders say every child encountered in such conditions deserves safety, care, and long-term protection support.
