By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Environmental Taskforce has taken into custody 15 minors and 17 adults from roads for begging in the ongoing zero tolerance against street begging.

The measure is part of efforts to get rid of the menace, restore normalcy on the streets, and maintain public order on general.

The removal exercise were carried out in several points like: Victoria Island, Awolowo Way up to Falomo Roundabout, Ikoyi, and Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, along Lekki Road.

Commissioner For Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed this through his official X handle on Wednesday.

Wahab stated that the suspects were caught soliciting alms in the middle of the road, describing it as an “unlawful act.”

In videos made available by Wahab on his X handle, minors, apparently aged between four and seven years, were seen running helter skelter from operatives while others caught were seen begging for mercy.

According to the commissioner, “The Lagos State Environmental Taskforce yesterday evening, continued its raid operation against persons constituting public nuisance across the metropolis.

“Major routes raided include; Awolowo Way up to Falomo roundabout, Ikoyi and Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, along Lekki Road”

“This is in a bid to get rid of destitute and miscreants causing public nuisance in the areas. 17 persons, including 15 minors involved in the unlawful act of street begging in the middle of vehicular traffic/hold-ups were apprehended during the operations.

“All suspects will be transferred to appropriate government facilities in line with relevant enabling law.”