Lagos State is tackling a growing problem of harassment and extortion by homeless youths and teenagers, especially along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
The state government has called on residents, celebrities, and influencers to stop giving money to street touts, as it fuels lawlessness and insecurity.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, responded to a resident’s complaint about the issue.
The resident, Olukayode Ajenifuja, urged the government to deploy the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch to protect motorists from harassment, extortion, and assault by these youths. Wahab acknowledged the concern but emphasized that handing out cash to touts worsens the situation.
“Each time you give them money, you’re not helping,” Wahab said. “You’re encouraging them to stay on the streets and making it harder for us to enforce the law. This creates bigger security and environmental problems for everyone.”
The government has been taking action. On August 29, 2025, a coordinated operation in Lekki led to the arrest of 40 suspected miscreants involved in unlawful activities. Despite these efforts, the problem persists, with some residents feeling the government isn’t doing enough. One X user, HCI-MCI, suggested the state might be ignoring the Lekki-Epe corridor, leaving locals vulnerable.
Wahab stressed that what seems like kindness often backfires.
