After an extended period of silence, the Lagos State government has finally acknowledged the relocation of 371 residents, whom it categorizes as “miscreants, beggars, and destitute persons,” back to their respective states. This confirmation comes following earlier reports by SaharaReporters regarding the alleged deportation of youths from Lagos to Osun State.
Reports emerged detailing how the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Lagos State Task Force, rounded up hundreds of residents and young people from various parts of Lagos on Friday and transported them to Osun State.
One of the affected youths recounted his experience to SaharaReporters, stating that law enforcement agents forcibly removed young people from locations such as Ajah, TBS, and the Island areas of Lagos before relocating them to a forest in Ilesha town, Osun State.
Reacting to these allegations, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, disclosed that 450 individuals described as miscreants were rescued over the weekend as part of a statewide operation aimed at eliminating “visible security risks.”
Omotosho revealed that out of the 450 individuals, 371 requested assistance to return to their respective states due to the hardships they faced in Lagos. Additionally, 79 individuals exhibiting signs of poor health were absorbed into government facilities for rehabilitation.
In a statement, Omotosho emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Lagos residents, highlighting the influx of miscreants, beggars, and destitute individuals onto the streets as a significant concern for public safety.
He stated, “The ceaseless influx of miscreants, beggars, and the destitute onto Lagos streets has raised fears of insecurity of lives and property. This is unacceptable.”
The statement concluded by affirming that the government’s efforts to address these security challenges would continue, underscoring the administration’s responsibility to safeguard citizens and maintain public order.