50 Arrested in Benin for Violating Edo Sanitation Laws as NSCDC Steps Up Enforcement

The Environmental Taskforce in Edo State on Saturday arrested at least 50 individuals in Benin City for allegedly breaching the state’s environmental sanitation laws.

The arrests were made during a monitoring exercise led by the new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Edo, Mr. Saidi Akintayo. The operation, which took place across key areas including Third East Circular Road Junction, Sapele Road, Ekiosa Market, Siloko Road, Ugbowo, and New Benin Market, aimed to ensure compliance with the state’s monthly sanitation directive.

Akintayo explained that the exercise aligns with the corps’ renewed commitment to supporting both federal and state efforts toward maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for residents.

“A clean environment is a healthy environment. It is our collective responsibility to keep our surroundings clean,” he said. “The corps will continue to enforce compliance and sensitise the public on the importance of environmental hygiene.”

During the exercise, residents and traders were seen cleaning drains and clearing refuse—a gesture Akintayo described as “encouraging.”

The commandant’s team later visited the Egor Local Government Secretariat, where they were received by the Executive Chairman, Osaro Eribo. The 50 offenders were subsequently arraigned before a mobile court.

Akintayo commended the collaboration among local councils, the environmental taskforce, and security agencies, noting that such synergy is vital to sustaining environmental gains. He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s dedication to enforcing environmental laws, supporting public health initiatives, and maintaining peace and order across Edo State.

“Our presence underscores the corps’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property, and the environment. We will continue to partner with the government to ensure Edo remains clean and safe for all,” he added.

In a related development, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government, Mr. Gabriel Idusere, who also joined the monitoring team, praised residents for their cooperation but acknowledged delays in refuse evacuation. He assured that the council is taking steps to improve waste collection, especially in markets and densely populated areas.