Underage children arrested during recent anti-begging operations across Lagos State have been transferred to government-run homes and shelters, where they will receive care, protection and rehabilitation services, The PUNCH reports.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Wednesday, hours after authorities apprehended 45 beggars, including adults and minors, during enforcement operations in Oshodi, Agege and CMS.
According to Wahab, the children have been profiled and handed over to the Ministry of Youth and Social Development for onward placement in facilities established by the state government.
“The underage children picked up statewide for begging on our roads have been properly profiled and handed over to the Ministry of Youth and Social Development for onward placement in the homes and shelters provided by the State Government, where they will receive the necessary care, protection and support,” he said.
The government had earlier announced the arrest of 45 beggars during separate operations across major commercial districts of Lagos.
