The Lagos state government has admitted to deporting 371 residents, whom they described as “miscreants, beggars and destitute”, back to their states.

In a statement on Sunday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, confirmed the state’s action, adding that it was part of the statewide exercise to free Lagos of “visible security risks.”

Mr Omotosho said 450 miscreants were rescued during the weekend, but only 371 were sent back to their various states after they pleaded for assistance to relocate because of their difficulty living in Lagos.

“As part of the exercise, 450 miscreants were at the weekend rescued. Of the lot, 371 pleaded for assistance to relocate to their various states due to the hardship they are facing in Lagos,” said the commissioner.

The commissioner added that the remaining 79 people had exhibited signs of illness and were transferred to some government facilities for rehabilitation.

“Seventy-nine have been absorbed into some government facilities for rehabilitation after showing signs of being unwell,” he stated.

Mr Omotosho said the exercise is part of the government’s responsibility to keep them safe and secure.

“The statewide exercise to free Lagos of visible security risks has continued after the arrest of some suspects under the Dolphin Estate bridge.

“The ceaseless influx of miscreants, beggars, and the destitute onto Lagos streets has raised fears of insecurity of lives and property. This is unacceptable.

“The exercise will continue as part of the government’s responsibility to keep our citizens safe and secure,” the statement partly read.

On Saturday, a video by Sahara Reporters showed several people accusing the Lagos State government of deporting them and hundreds of other residents from the nation’s commercial hub.

Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke on Monday confirmed that hundreds of the state’s indigenes residing in Lagos were dropped in Ilesha, saying he discussed the issue with his counterpart Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Mr Adeleke said his government’s investigation team confirmed how luxurious buses dropped the youths in Ilesa. 

Mr Adeleke, however, said he spoke with the Lagos State governor, who denied authorising law enforcement teams to carry out the “deportation.”