The Environmental Taskforce on Saturday arrested no fewer than 50 persons in Benin City for allegedly violating Edo State’s environmental sanitation laws.
The arrests were made in Egor Local Government Area during a monitoring exercise led by the new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Edo State, Mr. Saidi Akintayo.
The operation covered several strategic locations, including Third East Circular Road Junction, Sapele Road, Ekiosa Market, Siloko Road, Ugbowo, and New Benin Market, among others.
Akintayo said the exercise was aimed at ensuring compliance with the Edo State Government’s monthly environmental sanitation directive.
According to him, the operation aligns with the NSCDC’s renewed commitment to supporting both federal and state efforts in maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for residents.
“A clean environment is a healthy environment. It is our collective duty as citizens to ensure that our surroundings are kept clean at all times,” Akintayo stated.
“The corps will continue to support government efforts by enforcing compliance and sensitising the public on the importance of environmental hygiene,” he added.
During the exercise, residents and traders were seen sweeping drains, clearing refuse, and cleaning their premises — a development the NSCDC boss described as “encouraging.”
The commandant’s team later visited the Egor Local Government Secretariat, where they were received by the Executive Chairman, Mr. Osaro Eribo.
At the secretariat, the 50 suspected offenders were arraigned before a mobile court.
Akintayo commended the synergy among local authorities, the environmental taskforce, and security agencies, describing it as vital to sustaining the gains of the sanitation exercise.
He reiterated the NSCDC’s readiness to enforce environmental laws, support public health initiatives, and maintain peace and order across the state.
“Our presence underscores the Corps’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property, and the environment,” he said.
“We will continue to stand with the government to ensure that Edo remains clean and safe for all.”
In a related development, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government, Mr. Gabriel Idusere, who also participated in the monitoring exercise, commended residents for their cooperation.
He, however, acknowledged public complaints about delays in refuse evacuation and assured that the council had implemented measures to ensure prompt waste collection, particularly in markets and densely populated areas.
