The Nasarawa State Government has apprehended 96 persons across the 13 local government areas for alleged breaches of environmental sanitation regulations during the monthly statewide exercise.
The arrests were effected by enforcement teams monitoring compliance with the exercise, which mandates a temporary restriction of movement and business activities.
Abubakar Mohammed, the state’s Chief Prosecutor on sanitation offences, disclosed on Saturday that the offenders were apprehended for carrying out private business activities during the monthly sanitation exercise, an act that breaches Section 9 (2) of the State Environmental Sanitation Law.
“The violators were prosecuted by mobile courts across the LGAs to serve as a deterrent to others,” Mohammed said, adding that the enforcement drive is aimed at ensuring strict compliance with sanitation regulations and promoting a cleaner environment in the state.
The exercise also provided an opportunity for the state’s waste management agency to outline ongoing reforms in the sanitation sector.
During the exercise, Christopher Abari, Secretary of the Nasarawa state waste management and sanitation authority, announced plans to revitalize two waste recycling plants in Lafia and Karu LGAs.
The facilities, located in Angwan Rere, Lafia, and Auta Balaifi, Karu, have been underutilized, but the government intends to restore them to full operation.
Abari explained that the plants would be equipped with modern machinery to improve waste processing and efficiency.
“This revitalization is part of our broader strategy to enhance waste management, reduce pollution, and promote public health,” he said.
He also noted that the authority has distributed waste bins at strategic locations across the 13 LGAs and urged residents to use designated refuse sites to prevent disease outbreaks.
“Our staff continue to evacuate waste from dumping sites regularly. We urge the public to always dispose of waste at the designated points.
Keeping the environment clean will guard against disease outbreaks and ensure healthier living for the people,” Abari added.