13 arrested over illegal street trading in Lagos

Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has arrested 13 people for allegedly engaging in street trading at unauthorised locations across the state, including Festac, Mile 2 and Ikorodu.

The arrests were disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, PhD.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the arrests followed enforcement operations conducted at the locations between Monday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Gbadegesin stressed that roads, walkways, medians, road setbacks and other public spaces must remain clean and accessible, warning traders against using such areas for activities that interfere with their intended purposes. He urged them to conduct their businesses only in designated and approved markets.

Those arrested during Monday’s operations in Festac and Mile 2 were identified as Joy Opeyemi, Abigail Manga, Chinasa Eze, Saika Taira, AbdulRasheed Elinu, Charles Nwango, Mustapha Abubakar, Aliyu Garba, Kazinu Umar, Moses Idara, Ahmed Yinusa, Yusuf Usman and Amaka Chukunju.

On Tuesday, LAWMA’s Project WISE team, working alongside officials of Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, and police officers, carried out another enforcement exercise in Ikorodu.

The operation targeted traders operating markets in unauthorised locations and led to the apprehension of offenders.

The LAWMA chief executive said the exercise was intended to restore order, enforce environmental regulations and prevent the obstruction of public spaces. He added that the agency would continue monitoring the affected areas to prevent traders from returning to the prohibited locations.

Gbadegesin noted that street trading in unauthorised areas contributed to illegal dumping, blocked access, disorder and other environmental nuisances, thereby undermining efforts to maintain a clean and liveable environment.

“Public roads and walkways must remain clear and accessible. We will sustain enforcement against unauthorised trading. We urge traders and residents to use approved markets,” he said.