‘To keep citizens secure’ — Lagos says deportation of destitute will continue

The Lagos government says the deportation of the destitute to their states of origin will continue to keep citizens secure.

The government said the measure is being taken to free Lagos of visible security risks, among others.

There were reports that the Lagos government implemented the deportation of Osun indigenes from the state.

Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, directed an immediate investigation into the alleged deportation of Osun youths from Lagos state.

Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the governor, in a statement, said Adeleke expressed shock over the incident.

Rasheed added that Adeleke has engaged Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, who also expressed shock over the development and promised to take urgent action.

On Sunday, the Lagos government said out of 450 miscreants rescued over the weekend, 79 were taken into government facilities for rehabilitation due to their health issues.

Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos commissioner for information and strategy, said in a statement that the influx of destitute and miscreants into the state has raised security concerns.

Omotoso stated that a statewide exercise to eliminate “visible security risks” in Lagos continued after the arrest of some suspects under the Dolphin Estate bridge.

“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 reads.

“As part of the exercise, 450 miscreants were at the weekend rescued. Of the lot, 371 pleaded for assistance to relocate to their various states due to the hardship they are facing in Lagos.

“Seventy-nine have been absorbed into some government facilities for rehabilitation after showing signs of being unwell.

“The exercise will continue as part of the government’s responsibility to keep our citizens safe and secure.”