The Lagos State Government has arrested 281 street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, across different parts of the state in a sustained enforcement exercise aimed at restoring public safety, environmental order, and sanity.

The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce during a week-long operation spanning both the Island and Mainland areas of the state.

In a statement shared on Saturday via his verified X handle, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the development, noting that all the arrested persons “have since been arraigned in court.”

According to Wahab, the coordinated operations covered several strategic locations notorious for street trading, loitering, harassment of commuters, and other forms of public nuisance. Areas affected include Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Bourdillon Road, Animashahun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, and other adjoining roads across the metropolis.

The commissioner explained that the enforcement drive was necessitated by increasing complaints from residents and road users about the activities of street urchins, which he said posed serious safety risks to motorists and pedestrians and contributed to environmental degradation.

This exercise is aimed at keeping our roads and public spaces clear, reducing safety risks to motorists and pedestrians, and maintaining environmental sanity in the state, Wahab stated.

He added that the state government remains committed to reclaiming public spaces from miscreants and ensuring that Lagos remains a safe, clean, and orderly environment for residents, visitors, and investors.

Wahab also urged Lagosians to actively support the government’s efforts by reporting the activities of street urchins and other nuisances whenever they are observed.

“Residents are encouraged to report any nuisance caused by Omotaku or other street urchins. Kindly call 09137555111 or 09138555111 for swift response,” he said.

The latest arrests form part of the Lagos State Government’s intensified clampdown on street beggars, miscreants, and illegal occupants of road corridors, bridges, and public spaces, particularly around major highways and commercial districts.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that the state will not relent in enforcing environmental and safety laws, stressing that public infrastructure must not be allowed to become havens for criminal activities or disorder.