LAWMA, Police Move to Crack Down on Illegal Waste Dumping in Lagos

The Lagos State Government is stepping up efforts to tackle indiscriminate waste dumping and illegal activities at dumpsites, with the Lagos Waste Management Authority and the state Police Command agreeing to strengthen enforcement and security measures across the state.

The two agencies also agreed to improve the protection of waste management facilities and personnel following concerns over attacks and resistance faced by some LAWMA officials while carrying out their duties.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, at the Lagos State Police Command, GRA, Ikeja.

A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, Mukaila Sanusi, said Gbadegesin sought stronger police support for the authority’s enforcement and operational activities.

Gbadegesin said Lagos’ rapidly growing population had continued to put pressure on its waste management infrastructure, with the state generating between 13,000 and 16,000 tonnes of waste daily.

He said the huge volume required sustained waste collection, infrastructure development, recycling and resource recovery, alongside effective enforcement and inter-agency cooperation.

The LAWMA boss also raised concerns over the safety of enforcement officers, street sweepers and other personnel deployed to evacuate indiscriminately dumped waste.

According to him, some officials had encountered resistance and attacks from unauthorised persons, including armed scavengers, while performing their statutory duties.

He therefore called for enhanced security around critical LAWMA facilities, operational locations and areas identified as prone to illegal activities.

“We are committed to working closely with the Police and other relevant security agencies to restore order around waste management facilities, protect our personnel and infrastructure, and ensure that anyone who assaults or obstructs our officers while performing their lawful duties is made to face the consequences of such actions,” he said.

Responding, Fatai acknowledged LAWMA’s role in maintaining a clean, healthy and sustainable environment in Lagos, commending the authority for its efforts to improve waste management and environmental sanitation.

The police commissioner said indiscriminate dumping and other environmental violations continued to undermine gains recorded in waste management, stressing the need for stronger enforcement, public awareness and responsible behaviour by residents.

Fatai assured LAWMA of the command’s full support in tackling illegal dumping, unauthorised occupation and encroachment of dumpsites, as well as attacks on LAWMA personnel.

He said the police would work with the authority to ensure that environmental offenders faced the consequences of their actions while supporting efforts to protect LAWMA’s facilities, personnel and operational assets.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both agencies to sustained collaboration and stronger enforcement as part of efforts to achieve a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Lagos.

Police Nab 49-Year-Old With Pump-Action Rifle, 50 Ammunition Rounds In Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old man, Chima Ogumba, after recovering a pump-action gun and 50 live cartridges from his possession during an intelligence-led operation along Nkpor Road in the Idemili North Local Government Area. The arrest, which took place on Monday, August 17, 2026, was carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following credible intelligence about suspicious movements in the area, and upon searching the suspect, the firearm and ammunition were discovered.

According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect could not provide a satisfactory explanation for why he was carrying the weapons, and he has since been taken into custody as investigations continue. The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to uncover the source of the recovered items and to determine whether Ogumba has any links to armed robbery, cultism, or other criminal activities within the state and beyond.

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SP Ikenga further stated that the Command remains committed to proactive policing and sustained tactical operations aimed at identifying and dismantling criminal networks across Anambra State. This latest arrest is part of the police command’s ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and curb gun violence in the South-East region, and residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

Police Nab 49-Year-Old With Pump-Action Rifle, 50 Ammunition Rounds In Anambra

Zamfara: Troops rescue seven women, children from terrorists

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled separate terrorist abduction attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing civilians and neutralising an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along a major road.

The operations, conducted on August 17, 2026, occurred at different locations in the state as security forces intensified efforts to protect civilians, secure major roads and disrupt the activities of terrorist groups in Zamfara.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on August 17.

Danja said troops of Sector 2 responded to an abduction incident along the Gurusu–Anka Road after receiving information about the attack.

According to him, the troops pursued the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding area.

The military officer said the operation resulted in the rescue of seven victims comprising four women and three children.

He added that all seven victims were rescued unharmed.

The rescue came amid continuing security concerns along major roads in Zamfara, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted motorists and passengers.

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In a separate operation around Magazu Village in Tsafe Local Government Area, troops responded to information that terrorists were attempting to abduct motorists.

The troops moved swiftly to the area and engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon their victims and escape into nearby bushes.

Danja said some of the rescued victims sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and were immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

The Magazu axis has previously witnessed similar incidents, making the area a major security concern for residents and road users.

Earlier reports indicated that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA had rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists around the Magazu area after engaging the attackers and forcing them to abandon their victims.

Meanwhile, troops also responded to the discovery of a terrorist-planted IED along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

The military said the area was immediately secured while an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was deployed to handle the explosive device.

The team successfully neutralised the IED, preventing potential casualties among soldiers, motorists and other road users.

The discovery highlights the continuing security threat posed by explosive devices along some roads in Zamfara State, particularly routes used by civilians and security personnel.

The latest operations formed part of ongoing efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to maintain security across its Joint Operations Area and prevent terrorists from freely operating in vulnerable communities and along major transportation routes.

Danja said the successful interventions demonstrated the vigilance and responsiveness of troops in protecting civilians, securing communities and keeping major routes safe from terrorist activities.

He said the Theatre Command would continue to maintain pressure on terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area and deny them the freedom to threaten innocent citizens.

The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities.

The latest operations underscore the importance of intelligence-led military action in tackling kidnapping and terrorism in Zamfara, particularly along routes that have repeatedly come under attack.

Zamfara: Troops rescue seven women, children from terrorists