No fewer than 96 residents were on Saturday arrested across the 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State for violating the state’s environmental sanitation laws.
The Chief Prosecutor Officer of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Abubakar Mohammed, disclosed this while briefing journalists shortly after monitoring the November sanitation exercise in Lafia, the state capital.
Mohammed said the offenders were picked up for opening shops, running roadside businesses, and engaging in commercial activities during the period of the sanitation exercise — a clear breach of Section 9(2) of the Nasarawa State Environmental Sanitation Law.
According to him, all those arrested were immediately arraigned before mobile courts set up in various local government areas.
“The exercise is compulsory, and those who undermine it will face the law. The prosecutions are to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.
He noted that the ministry recorded improved compliance in some communities but insisted that periodic arrests would continue until residents cultivate the habit of maintaining a clean environment.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Government has concluded plans to revive two waste recycling plants located in Lafia and Karu LGAs.
The Secretary of the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, Christopher Abari, told journalists in Lafia that the facilities, situated in Angwan Rere and Auta Balefi, had been underutilised for years but would soon return to full operation.
Abari said the revitalisation project is part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen waste management, curb environmental pollution, and promote public health.
“The plants will be equipped with modern machinery for efficient waste conversion. We are stepping up evacuation of refuse and have distributed new waste bins across all LGAs,” he said.
He urged residents to cooperate with sanitation personnel by disposing of refuse properly and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
“A clean environment prevents disease outbreaks. We appreciate the support of security agencies, traditional rulers, and the media for the success recorded in this month’s exercise,” Abari added.
The state has recently intensified efforts to improve public hygiene following rising concerns over environmental degradation and frequent waste accumulation in urban centres.
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