The Lagos State Government has arrested 281 street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, in different parts of the state as part of efforts to improve public safety and order.
The arrests were confirmed on Saturday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post shared on X.
Wahab said the suspects had already been taken before a court.
“The suspects have since been arraigned in court,” he stated.
According to him, the week-long enforcement exercise was carried out by the Lagos State Taskforce across several locations on the Island and Mainland.
Areas covered include Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Bourdillon, Animashahun bus stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi bus stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere and other adjoining roads.
The commissioner explained that the operation was aimed at reducing risks to road users and keeping public spaces orderly.
He said the enforcement exercise was targeted at “keeping roads and public spaces clear, reducing safety risks to motorists and pedestrians, and maintaining environmental sanity in the state.”
Wahab also called on residents to support the government’s efforts by reporting activities of street urchins and other forms of public nuisance.
“Call 09137555111 or 09138555111 for swift response,” he said.
The arrests are part of the Lagos State Government’s ongoing clampdown on street begging and the presence of urchins in strategic locations, especially along major roads, as it seeks to promote law, order and a safer environment across the state.
