On a Tuesday enforcement operation, the Lagos State Environmental Task Force successfully arrested 26 individuals at the Orile Under Bridge, who were accused of extorting money from cart pushers engaged in illegal waste disposal. The arrests were made following credible intelligence that indicated the area had been taken over by hoodlums facilitating indiscriminate dumping of refuse in exchange for cash. The operation commenced around 2:45 p.m. after officers of the task force acted on reports highlighting the exploitation by these miscreants.

Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, confirmed the raids and stated that such actions would not be tolerated as they compromise public health and environmental safety. He emphasized the importance of eradicating these illegal activities to maintain clean and safe surroundings for the residents of Lagos. The arrests reflect the ongoing efforts by the Lagos State government to restore order and provide a solution to the growing problem of waste management and extortion in the city.

This initiative comes as part of a broader strategy by the Lagos State government to combat environmental crimes and foster a cleaner urban environment. The task force's proactive measures aim to deter similar illegal practices in the future and highlight the importance of responsible waste disposal, underscoring the potential repercussions for those who engage in illegal activities. As the city continues to grapple with waste management challenges, such enforcement actions will be critical in achieving a sustainable solution while protecting citizens from exploitation.