Fresh security concerns and a surge in the number of beggars across Lagos have prompted the state government to intensify its crackdown on street beggars in an ongoing statewide enforcement operation.
According
to a report in Saturday Punch, in one of the largest operations in
recent times, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force, in
conjunction with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, arrested 226
beggars on June 8 as part of a renewed daily enforcement exercise.
It was
gathered that the intensified raids were driven by growing concerns over
insecurity in the country, increasing complaints from residents and the rising
influx of street beggars into different parts of the state.
The
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, had, in a
statement confirming the arrests, described the exercise as part of the state’s
ongoing clean-up and enforcement operation aimed at improving public safety and
maintaining environmental standards.
He
said street begging had continued to constitute an environmental nuisance and
contribute to the degradation of public spaces.
However,
sources, including government officials and security personnel, told Saturday
PUNCH that the operation went beyond environmental sanitation, disclosing that
it formed part of proactive measures to prevent security breaches amid growing
public anxiety over insecurity.
A
senior government official, who spoke on
condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter,
said the exercise, coordinated by officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline
unit, had been intensified and would continue in the coming weeks.
“The
state government is currently taking proactive steps because of the security
situation in the country. At the same time, the state has witnessed an increase
in the number of street beggars like never before. It is already becoming
alarming.
“The
decision also followed complaints from residents who have become increasingly
disturbed by the influx, especially at a time like this. That informed the
government’s decision to step up the exercise,” he said.
The
renewed enforcement comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of the
country, particularly the South-West, where security agencies and state
governments have stepped up surveillance following reports of the infiltration
of the region by terrorists.
Another
government official said authorities had observed a noticeable migration of
street beggars into highbrow areas of the state, prompting increased
enforcement in Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah.
“We
have recorded an increased migration of beggars to the Island. They are now in
almost every nook and cranny of the area. In the past, enforcement was more
common on the mainland, but their movement to the Island has become
significant.
“Their
presence has become a major concern for residents, and we have received
numerous complaints. The people living in those areas are particularly
sensitive to security issues and have become worried because of the increasing
number of beggars amid the prevailing insecurity in parts of the South-West,”
he said.
The
source explained that there had also been isolated cases where some persons
picked up during previous operations were allegedly found with firearms and
other dangerous objects.
“There
were concerns that criminal elements could exploit some of them (street
beggars). Beyond that, the level of environmental abuse associated with their
activities has become excessive,” the source added.
The
spokesperson for KAI, Lukmon Ajayi, said the enforcement was ongoing and was
gradually reducing the number of street beggars in the state.
He
also noted that some of them were being used as decoys to carry out criminal
activities.
“The
exercise has been routine, and we are also recording a gradual reduction in the
state. We have arrested beggars, especially the physically challenged ones
using rollers, with dangerous objects. We have arrested them with knives and
machetes. They hid them in the rollers. They have attacked us with these
objects during enforcement operations.
“Also,
the previous Saturday, a disabled person helped others to scale the fence into
the next building. So, they also pose a security risk. They can be used as
decoys to attack people. Security is part of our main duty, which is to ensure
that the environment is sanitised,” Ajayi added.
However,
a police source clarified that the Lagos State Police Command had not received
any intelligence linking street beggars to any specific security threat and was
not involved in the operation.
The
senior police officer also acknowledged their increased presence in most parts
of the state.
“The
police have not received any security intelligence about them, and the police
are not involved in the operation. If there is any such development, the police
will be involved.
“What
we have observed is that the exercise is largely a response to public concerns
arising from the general security situation in the country. The government
appears to be taking proactive measures to reassure residents and prevent
situations where members of the public may begin profiling or attacking
vulnerable persons based on suspicion,” the source said.
The
State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, could not be reached
for comment as calls to her telephone line were not answered.
A text
message sent to her had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was
filed.
Culled from the Punch.
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