The [Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA)](https://lawma.lagosstate.gov.ng) disclosed on Tuesday that it had taken into custody 13 individuals for conducting street‑level trade in prohibited areas of the state, including Festac, Mile 2 and Ikorodu, during enforcement sweeps on 12 and 13 October 2026.
**What actions were taken?**
Lawma’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, PhD, released a statement confirming the arrests. The agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, explained that the operations were carried out between Monday, 12 October, and Tuesday, 13 October, targeting traders who were obstructing public roads, walkways, medians and other communal spaces.
**Who were detained?**
The individuals apprehended in Festac and Mile 2 on Monday were identified as Joy Opeyemi, Abigail Manga, Chinasa Eze, Saika Taira, AbdulRasheed Elinu, Charles Nwango, Mustapha Abubakar, Aliyu Garba, Kazinu Umar, Moses Idara, Ahmed Yinusa, Yusuf Usman and Amaka Chukunju.
**Which agencies assisted?**
On Tuesday, LAWMA’s Project WISE team collaborated with officials from Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and police officers to conduct a further raid in Ikorodu, resulting in additional arrests of traders operating in unauthorised locations.
**Why is the crackdown important?**
Dr Gbadegesin stressed that illegal street trading leads to unlawful dumping, blocked access, disorder and other environmental nuisances, undermining efforts to keep Lagos clean and livable. He warned that public roads and walkways must stay clear and that enforcement will continue.
> "Public roads and walkways must remain clear and accessible. We will sustain > enforcement against unauthorised trading. We urge traders and residents to > use approved markets," Dr Gbadegesin said.
The agency affirmed that monitoring will persist to deter traders from returning to prohibited sites and to preserve the intended use of public spaces.