The Lagos State Government has apprehended 45 individuals involved in street begging activities across several parts of the state, including Oshodi, Agege, and the Central Business District of Lagos Island (CMS), as part of a renewed effort to tackle street begging and improve public order.
Among those arrested were nine children who were allegedly found participating in or accompanying adults engaged in street begging activities. The operation was carried out by government officials responsible for social welfare and environmental enforcement as authorities continue efforts to address rising concerns about the welfare implications and security risks associated with street begging.
Officials say the arrests form part of an ongoing statewide exercise aimed at removing vulnerable individuals from major roads, traffic intersections, markets, and public spaces while connecting them with appropriate social support services.
According to state authorities, enforcement teams conducted coordinated operations in several high-traffic areas known for persistent street begging activities.
The affected locations included Oshodi, one of Lagos' busiest transportation hubs; Agege, a densely populated area with significant commercial activity; and CMS, a major business district that serves thousands of commuters daily.
During the exercise, officers reportedly encountered dozens of individuals soliciting alms from motorists, pedestrians, and business operators. The operation led to the arrest of 45 people, including women, elderly persons, and children.
Government officials indicated that some of the individuals would undergo profiling to determine their backgrounds, family connections, and welfare needs before further action is taken.
The arrested children are expected to receive special attention from relevant social welfare agencies to ensure their protection and rehabilitation.
Lagos Intensifies Campaign Against Street Begging
Street begging has remained a major concern in Lagos for several years, despite repeated government interventions aimed at reducing the practice.
Authorities argue that uncontrolled begging contributes to traffic congestion, exposes children to abuse and exploitation, creates safety concerns, and can negatively affect the state's image as Nigeria's economic hub.
Successive administrations in Lagos have maintained that public roads and highways should not become places where vulnerable individuals are forced to seek survival through begging.
The state government has therefore continued to implement policies designed to discourage street begging while expanding social welfare programs targeted at vulnerable groups.
Officials have repeatedly emphasized that the objective is not merely enforcement but also rehabilitation and reintegration.
The Growing Challenge of Urban Poverty
Street begging remains a complex social issue across many Nigerian cities, driven by a combination of poverty, unemployment, displacement, family breakdown, and inadequate social protection systems.
According to development experts, rapid urbanization has increased pressure on major cities such as Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Ibadan, attracting migrants seeking better economic opportunities.
However, not all migrants are able to secure stable employment, leading some individuals and families to resort to informal survival strategies, including street vending and begging.
Children are often among the most vulnerable. Child rights advocates have repeatedly warned that exposing children to street begging can increase the risk of exploitation, trafficking, abuse, poor health outcomes, and limited access to education.
International organizations, including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), have consistently advocated for stronger social welfare systems and child protection mechanisms to address the root causes of child begging and homelessness.
Government's Position
The Lagos State Government has maintained that its operations against street begging are designed to protect vulnerable persons while ensuring orderliness across the state.
Officials have previously stated that rescued individuals are often taken to government shelters where they undergo medical screening, counseling, and rehabilitation assessments.
Where necessary, efforts are also made to reunite children with their families or transfer them to appropriate care facilities.
The government has urged residents to avoid encouraging street begging by giving money at road intersections and traffic points, arguing that such practices often sustain networks that exploit vulnerable individuals, especially children.
Instead, authorities encourage citizens to support registered charities, orphanages, and welfare organizations that provide structured assistance to those in need.
Authorities are expected to complete profiling and assessment procedures for the 45 arrested individuals in the coming days.
Children identified during the operation are likely to be referred to appropriate welfare institutions for care and protection, while adults may undergo rehabilitation programs or further investigations depending on their circumstances.
The Lagos State Government has indicated that enforcement operations against street begging will continue across different parts of the state as part of broader efforts to promote public order, social welfare, and urban development.
As Nigeria's largest city continues to grapple with the challenges of rapid population growth and economic inequality, policymakers, social workers, and community leaders face the ongoing task of developing sustainable solutions that protect vulnerable populations while maintaining the order and functionality of public spaces.
Lagos State Government arrests 45 beggars, including nine children, during operations in Oshodi, Agege and CMS as crackdown on street begging continues.