The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, in collaboration with the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, and the Mobile Police, has arrested a resident of Meiran, Lagos, for allegedly dumping waste into a drainage channel during rainfall.
The arrest was disclosed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who said the operation followed a tip-off from members of the public.
According to him, the information enabled the enforcement team to respond promptly to the alleged environmental violation.
Gbadegesin said the suspect, a woman residing at No. 13, Lanre Adefiranye Street, Baale Bus Stop, Meiran, was arrested during a joint operation involving LAWMA’s Enforcement Team, KAI officials and the Mobile Police.
He said the suspect had allegedly been caught dumping waste into a drainage channel while it was raining and was subsequently taken to the KAI headquarters for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The LAWMA boss commended the members of the public who provided information leading to the arrest, describing their action as an example of responsible citizenship and support for environmental protection efforts.
“Members of the public have an important role to play in protecting our environment. When you see indiscriminate dumping or any other environmental violation, speak up and report it. Timely information can help us respond quickly and prevent environmental offences from becoming bigger problems,” Gbadegesin said.
He urged Lagos residents to embrace the principle of “If you see something, say something,” stressing that protecting the environment requires active participation from communities.
Gbadegesin also reiterated LAWMA’s commitment to tackling indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly the practice of dumping refuse in drainage channels, which can obstruct the free flow of water and increase the risk of flooding during rainfall.
The Authority urged residents to dispose of their waste through approved channels and warned against using drainage channels as dumping grounds.
It stressed that indiscriminate waste disposal poses risks to public health, the environment and the city’s drainage infrastructure.
