By Olatunbosun Obafemi
In recent years, the growing menace of miscreants has become a serious concern in both Lagos and Ogun States. From the crowded streets of Oshodi to the border towns of Sango and Agbado, the presence of idle youths involved in petty theft, extortion, drug use, and street violence has become all too familiar.
These miscreants – often young, jobless, and without direction – have not only disrupted daily life for ordinary citizens but also threatened the peace, safety, and economic stability of these rapidly growing states.
What we are witnessing is not just a security issue – it is a social one. Many of these individuals are products of poverty, broken homes, poor education, and a lack of opportunities. They do not wake up with a grand plan to become a nuisance to society. In most cases, it is society’s failure to provide structure and support that nudges them down this path.
The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit has conducted several operations targeting miscreants and cult groups. Notably of recent in Agege, the agency arrested 64 miscreants and 26 notorious cultists during an overnight operation dubbed ‘Operation Restore Sanity to Lagos’ . Additionally, the Lagos State Task Force has carried out crackdowns along major routes like the Lekki-Epe Expressway, arresting individuals involved in criminal activities and dismantling illegal structures that serve as hideouts for criminals.
The Ministry of Youth and Social Development, in partnership with the Lagos State Task Force, has also launched operations to remove beggars and miscreants from the streets. Individuals apprehended during these operations are taken to rehabilitation centers where they receive care and support. For minors, efforts were made to reunite them with their families, while adults are enrolled in empowerment programs to equip them with skills for a self-sufficient future .
The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the Commissioner of Police and the State’s Neighbourhood Watch to intensify surveillance efforts to safeguard road users. This reflects the growing concern over the activities of miscreants who harass commuters and create fear across major roads in the state.
Likewise in Ogun, the state government has collaborated with the Nigeria Police Force to enhance security measures. A notable initiative includes the deployment of an autonomous drone equipped with night vision and infrared capabilities to monitor and respond to criminal activities along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This technological advancement aims to provide real-time surveillance and quick response to incidents.
The Ogun State government has also adopted a multi-pronged approach to address insecurity, including community partnerships and intelligence-led operations. The state has also emphasized the importance of local vigilance and collaboration with security agencies to enhance safety in communities.
It has encouraged residents to be extra-vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Commercial farmers have been advised to utilize the services of armed security guards and escorts to access their farms, and local hands have been deployed to help mount surveillance at their farms to assist their safe entry and exit.
However, to truly address this issue, both Lagos and Ogun States must go beyond surface-level crackdowns. While effective policing is necessary, particularly in areas where public safety is compromised, enforcement alone will not solve the problem. We must begin by creating real alternatives for these young people. Vocational training centers, community development programs, and access to mental health services can go a long way in turning lives around. These interventions should not be occasional – they must be structured, consistent, and built into state policy.
Moreover, the physical environment contributes significantly to the problem. Many miscreants take over abandoned buildings, under-bridges, and poorly maintained public spaces. Urban renewal projects must therefore be prioritized. If Lagos and Ogun can clean up and secure their public spaces – adding lighting, green spaces, and community hubs – it would reduce the breeding grounds for street-level crime and create safer, more welcoming neighborhoods.
In parallel, the justice system in both states needs to become more efficient. Minor offenders should be offered rehabilitation rather than harsh punishment, while repeat or violent offenders should face swift justice. This balance is critical for deterrence and fairness.
Another important piece of the puzzle is public engagement. Civic education campaigns, especially in schools and religious centers, should emphasize the value of responsible citizenship and non-violence. Local leaders, including traditional rulers, community heads, and religious figures, have a powerful role to play in discouraging criminal behavior and guiding the youth toward more positive paths.
Ultimately, the challenge of miscreants in Lagos and Ogun is a reflection of broader social and economic cracks. If we are to move forward as a people, we must treat this problem not as a battle to be won by force, but as a crisis to be resolved through understanding, planning, and inclusive growth.
With clear political will, community cooperation, and sustained investment in human development, both states can turn the tide and create a safer, more dignified future for all.
