The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), has issued a stern warning against attacks on its personnel, stating officers are now empowered to defend themselves with all necessary means.
Zero Tolerance for Assaults on Sanitation Officers
Corps Marshal of the agency, Major General Olaniyi Cole (rtd), expressed deep concern over multiple assaults on officers recorded in 2025 while they performed their duties across the state. He declared that such attacks would no longer be tolerated.
"Our officials will defend themselves with everything within their reach if attacked," Cole stated firmly. He made these remarks at the Lagos West Senatorial Division Stakeholders’ and Community Engagement Meeting held at the agency’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi.
Major Enforcement Drive Against Road Trading
In a significant policy announcement, the Corps Marshal revealed that a strict enforcement operation targeting illegal road trading will commence from January 2, 2026.
He explained that the stakeholders' meeting, themed “Building a Cleaner Lagos: Improving Compliance with Environmental Sanitation Laws,” was part of strategic efforts to position Lagos for a cleaner and more sustainable future. The initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's THEMES+ Agenda for a habitable and resilient city.
"Environmental sanitation is not the sole responsibility of government. It is a shared obligation," Cole emphasized, calling for active participation from community leaders, traders, transport operators, and all residents.
Reflecting on 2025 Operations and Future Plans
Recapping the agency's activities in the outgoing year, Cole noted that LAGESC intensified enforcement on major highways, inner roads, markets, and pedestrian bridges. Key targets included:
- Street trading and illegal markets
- Illegal dumping of refuse and abuse of road setbacks
- Unlawful occupation of pedestrian bridges and drainage channels
- Sustained ban on Styrofoam food containers
He reported that thousands of offenders were apprehended and prosecuted in 2025, describing the actions as corrective measures aimed at instilling discipline.
However, Cole stressed that enforcement alone is insufficient. He urged all Lagosians to adopt positive practices like proper waste disposal through approved PSP operators, prompt bill payment, recycling, and routine sanitation.
Community Leaders and LAWMA Echo Calls for Cooperation
Supporting the agency's stance, the Iya Oja General of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Folasade Adedeji Ogidigbo, acknowledged the shared responsibility for a clean environment. She confirmed that market leaders would clamp down on those selling on walkways from January 2026.
"It is wrong to attack KAI or any other government official. We must proffer solutions to problems," Ogidigbo stated.
In a separate interview with The Guardian, a LAWMA enforcement officer, Asogba Jacob, provided context on current challenges. He cited rainy weather causing delays at dumpsites and appealed for patience from residents.
Jacob also highlighted operational constraints, appealing to the ministry to increase the workforce for both KAI and LAWMA to enhance their effectiveness across Lagos State.
Concluding the engagement, Major General Cole called for strengthened partnerships with local governments, traditional institutions, and the private sector to pool resources and intelligence. He urged continuous support for the state's smart waste management initiatives and prompt reporting of environmental infractions for swift action.
