The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps has arrested 62 persons, including 29 alleged street beggars and 33 children reportedly being exploited for street begging in the Ajah and Lekki areas of the state.

The arrests were made during an enforcement operation conducted by operatives of the corps in the two areas, according to the Commissioner for Housing, Tokunbo Wahab.

Wahab disclosed the development in an X post on Sunday. He said the operation targeted persons involved in street begging as well as children allegedly being used for the activity.

The commissioner wrote, “A total of 62 individuals, comprising 29 street beggars and 33 children allegedly being exploited for illegal street begging, were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps during an enforcement operation in the Ajah and Lekki areas of Lagos State.

 “They have all been transferred to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.”

The statement did not indicate whether any of the adults arrested were suspected of recruiting, transporting or otherwise exploiting the children for street begging.

It was also not immediately clear where the children were taken or which specific authorities had taken custody of them.

The operation comes amid continuing enforcement against street begging in Lagos, particularly in major commercial and traffic corridors where beggars often approach motorists and other road users for alms.

The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, commonly known as KAI, is responsible for enforcing environmental laws and regulations across the state.