Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos Waste Management Authority has arrested three residents for illegally dumping refuse in unauthorised locations within the Ketu-Alapere area of Lagos State.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Sunday says the arrests were made during an overnight enforcement operation conducted between May 8 and 9.
The surveillance exercise was carried out by LAWMA’s Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team as part of efforts to curb environmental violations across the state.
“Three individuals were apprehended for unlawfully disposing of waste in unauthorized locations,” Wahab says.
According to him, officials traced the suspects to their homes to investigate the circumstances surrounding the offences and discourage similar violations by other residents.
Investigations reveal that the affected properties lacked approved waste storage facilities and were not registered with designated Private Sector Participant waste operators.
Wahab says all documented properties linked to the offences have been forwarded to LAWMA’s legal department for further action.
He adds that identified refuse blackspots in the area were cleared during the operation.
The Lagos State Government has repeatedly warned residents against indiscriminate waste disposal and urged households to patronise approved waste operators.
Environmental officials say illegal dumping continues to contribute to blocked drainage systems, flooding and public health risks across the state.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 