The statewide exercise to free Lagos of visible security risks has continued after the arrest of some suspects under the Dolphin Estate Bridge.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said 450 miscreants were rescued at the weekend.

“Of the lot, 371 pleaded for assistance to relocate to their states due to the hardship they are facing in Lagos; 79 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,” he said.

The government will from today enforce the removal of over 100 shanties under the Adeniji Adele Bridge.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab said the exercise is coming after the 48- hour removal notice served occupants expired.

According to the commissioner, operatives of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI/LAGESC) and officials from the Monitoring Enforcement and Compliance (MEC) Department of the ministry would be given security back up to conduct the operation.

Wahab emphasised that the exercise was part of the government’s effort to reclaim ungoverned spaces in the metropolis.

According to him, unsightly shanties, which dot the city, represent a distorted image of what a smart city like Lagos should be, and serve as hiding places for criminals.

END.