The Kwara State Government has intensified efforts to curb street begging across the state following the recent arrest of a suspected bandit who allegedly disguised himself as a beggar in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The Honourable Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, PhD, disclosed this on Friday while addressing officers during a monitoring and enforcement exercise against street begging in the Ilorin metropolis.
She described the incident as a serious security concern and a clear indication that street begging could be exploited by criminal elements to perpetrate unlawful acts and threaten public safety.
Hajia Imam emphasized that while the state remains committed to protecting vulnerable persons through rehabilitation and empowerment programmes, it will not tolerate the use of street begging as a cover for criminal activities.
She warned parents, guardians, and sponsors against sending children or dependants to beg on the streets, noting that such practices expose them to exploitation, abuse, and serious security risks.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies or relevant government authorities.
The Commissioner further called on members of the public to support vulnerable persons through government-approved social intervention programmes and credible humanitarian organisations, rather than through indiscriminate street almsgiving.
The Ministry confirmed that the monitoring and enforcement operations, which have already commenced in Ilorin, will be extended to all Local Government Areas of the state.
According to the Commissioner, individuals or groups found engaging in or facilitating street begging will face strict legal action in accordance with Kwara State laws.
She added that the State Government is committed to safeguarding lives and property, while promoting a safer, more orderly, and socially responsible society.
Rasheedat Shodunnke
Press Secretary,
Ministry of Social Development