LAWMA arrests three for illegal waste dumping in Lagos

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has arrested three individuals for allegedly dumping refuse illegally in the Ketu-Alapere area of Lagos as part of intensified efforts to enforce environmental sanitation laws.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the arrests in a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday.

According to Mr Wahab, the arrests followed an overnight surveillance operation conducted by LAWMA’s Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team between 8 May and 9 May 2026 in the Ketu-Alapere axis.

“During this operation, three individuals were apprehended for unlawfully disposing of waste in unauthorised locations,” the statement read.

Investigation and legal action

Mr Wahab stated that the suspects were traced to their residences to determine the reasons behind the illegal dumping activities.

Investigations reportedly revealed that the affected properties lacked proper waste storage facilities and were not registered with designated Private Sector Participant operators responsible for refuse collection.

“All documented properties have been forwarded to the LAWMA legal department for further legal action,” the statement added.

The Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement operations in recent months as part of broader efforts to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal, improve sanitation, and prevent environmental degradation across the state.

Government clears blackspots

The commissioner further disclosed that waste blackspots identified during the operation had been cleared to discourage further dumping.

Mr Wahab reiterated the state government’s commitment to strict enforcement of environmental regulations and warned residents against indiscriminate refuse disposal.

He urged residents and property owners to comply with waste management guidelines and register with approved waste operators to avoid sanctions.

The latest arrests underscore ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to address sanitation challenges in densely populated communities, particularly in areas prone to illegal dumping and blocked drainage systems.

Environmental officials have repeatedly warned that violations of sanitation laws contribute to flooding, health risks, and environmental pollution in the state.