The Kwara State Government has intensified enforcement against street begging across the state following the arrest of a suspected bandit who allegedly disguised as a beggar in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, disclosed this on Friday during a monitoring and enforcement exercise in the Ilorin metropolis.
Imam described the incident as a serious security threat, warning that street begging could be exploited by criminal elements to perpetrate unlawful activities and endanger public safety.
She said the government remains committed to protecting vulnerable persons through rehabilitation and empowerment programmes but will not tolerate the use of begging as a cover for criminal operations.
While warning parents and guardians against sending children or dependants to beg on the streets, the commissioner noted that such practices expose them to abuse, exploitation and security risks.
She urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies and relevant authorities.
Imam also appealed to the public to support vulnerable individuals through approved government social intervention schemes and credible humanitarian organisations rather than indiscriminate street almsgiving.
The ministry confirmed that enforcement operations, which have begun in Ilorin, would be extended to all local government areas of the state.
According to the commissioner, anyone found engaging in or facilitating street begging would face legal action in line with existing state laws.
She reiterated the state government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while promoting a safer and more orderly society.
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