A resident of Meiran, Lagos, has been arrested by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for allegedly dumping refuse into a drainage channel while rainfall was ongoing.
The arrest followed the circulation of a viral video purportedly showing a woman removing waste from her residence and disposing of it into a nearby drainage channel during the rain.
The enforcement operation was carried out jointly by LAWMA, the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and the Mobile Police.
LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to him, the enforcement team acted after receiving information from members of the public about the alleged environmental violation.
Gbadegesin commended the residents who alerted the authorities, saying prompt reporting of environmental offences could help prevent activities that pose wider risks to communities.
He disclosed that the suspect, identified as a woman residing at No. 13, Lanre Adefiranye Street, Baale Bus Stop, Meiran, was apprehended during the joint operation.
The LAWMA boss said the woman was allegedly caught disposing of waste into a drainage channel while it was raining.
She was subsequently taken to the KAI headquarters for further investigation and prosecution in line with the law.
Gbadegesin urged Lagos residents to take an active role in protecting the environment by reporting indiscriminate waste disposal and other violations to the appropriate authorities.
“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,” he said.
He encouraged residents to embrace the principle of “If you see something, say something,” stressing that environmental protection could not be left solely to government agencies.
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The LAWMA chief also warned against dumping refuse into drainage channels, particularly during rainfall, noting that such practices can obstruct the free flow of water and worsen flooding risks.
The Authority advised residents to dispose of their waste through approved channels, warning that indiscriminate dumping could endanger public health, damage the environment and put additional pressure on Lagos’ drainage infrastructure.
LAWMA said it would continue to intensify enforcement against illegal waste disposal across the state.