The Lagos Waste Management Authority has vowed to take action against individuals responsible for attacking its enforcement officers during an environmental monitoring operation along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.
The agency condemned the incident, which occurred on Sunday at Mazamaza Bus Stop, shortly after FESTAC First Gate, describing it as an attempt to frustrate government efforts to maintain environmental sanitation across the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, LAWMA Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the officers came under attack while carrying out a routine environmental monitoring and compliance exercise.
According to him, the team encountered individuals allegedly involved in illegal waste disposal activities during the operation.
Gbadegesin said: “The enforcement team was attacked by suspected illegal waste operators and cart pushers who attempted to obstruct the exercise.”
He added: “Our enforcement officers were carrying out their statutory responsibilities when they were attacked by individuals seeking to frustrate government efforts.”
The LAWMA boss described the attack as unacceptable and warned that the agency would not tolerate attempts to obstruct lawful enforcement activities.
He said the incident was a direct challenge to ongoing efforts aimed at protecting public health and improving environmental sanitation in Lagos.
Gbadegesin stressed that the attack would not deter the agency from carrying out its responsibilities across the state.
He also warned that assaulting enforcement officers remains a serious offence under the law and that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.
According to him, efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend all those connected to the attack.
Despite the incident, the enforcement team continued its monitoring exercise across key locations, including Iyana Iba, Okokomaiko and Agbara.
The operation forms part of LAWMA’s wider campaign against indiscriminate waste disposal and environmental violations.
Gbadegesin said illegal cart-pushing and unauthorised dumpsites remain major obstacles to effective waste management in Lagos, posing risks to both public health and the environment.
He urged residents and businesses to patronise only approved waste service providers and dispose of waste through authorised channels.
The managing director also appealed to the public to support government efforts by complying with environmental regulations and reporting illegal waste disposal activities.
He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustained enforcement operations across the state and warned that violators would continue to face sanctions.
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