The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, and the Environmental Task Force, has carried out a joint clearance operation targeting destitutes and street beggars across major parts of Ibadan.
The enforcement exercise, which took place on Wednesday evening, was led by retired DCP Francis Ojomo, Chairman of the Environmental Task Force in Oyo State.
Also present during the operation was the Chief of Staff to the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Iyabode Enitan Akinbode, Esq., alongside other security and government officials.
The operation covered strategic areas within Ibadan metropolis, including the Beere–Mapo–Oja’ba access routes, where several destitutes and street beggars were apprehended.
According to officials, those arrested were transported in two high-capacity buses to the Internally Displaced and Destitute Home located in Akinyele Local Government Area for profiling, rehabilitation, and welfare support.
Speaking on the exercise, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), reiterated the agency’s commitment to curbing indiscriminate street begging and the illegal occupation of public spaces across the state.
She stated that the presence of destitutes and beggars on roads and walkways contributes to environmental concerns, obstructs free movement, and poses risks to public safety and hygiene.
Justice Aderemi further noted that maintaining a cleaner, safer, and more orderly environment remains part of the vision of the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde.
She appealed to residents not to encourage street begging and urged the public to cooperate with relevant authorities in sustaining environmental order across the state.
The Authority added that the joint enforcement operation would continue across Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State to ensure a clean, secure, and business-friendly environment for residents and visitors alike.
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