The Lagos State Taskforce on environmental sanitation has arrested 10 individuals accused of open defecation in key parts of the metropolis as the government intensifies efforts to enforce public health and hygiene laws, authorities say. The arrests were made in busy areas including Ebute Ero Apongbon and Inner Marina where offenders were caught engaging in the unsanitary practice.

A statement shared by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Managing Director Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin said the suspects were apprehended during patrols aimed at discouraging open defecation which authorities describe as a “direct threat to public health” that can contaminate the environment and raise disease risks in crowded locations.

Following their arrest the 10 suspects were taken to the Special Offences Mobile Court in Bolade Oshodi where they will face prosecution under Lagos State environmental laws which criminalise public indecency including open defecation.

Dr Gbadegesin also noted that Lagos operates more than 1 700 public toilets and over 900 privately managed facilities to ensure accessible sanitation options are available across the city and urged residents to use these facilities rather than defecating in open spaces.

Officials said the operation forms part of the state’s broader Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) agenda to improve cleanliness and protect citizens from health hazards linked to poor sanitation. The enforcement comes as part of ongoing efforts to maintain a cleaner environment in Africa’s most populous city.