Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums over alleged vandalism of critical components of the Festac Town-Alakija bridge
Lagos Arrests 27 Over Festac-Alakija Bridge Vandalism
The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums over the alleged vandalism of critical structural components of the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija.
The state government described the alleged act as a serious threat to public safety and a major attack on critical public infrastructure.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the arrests, saying the suspects were apprehended after officials discovered extensive vandalism during an enforcement operation along the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway.
Wahab said the operation was conducted in line with the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to rid the highway of “all forms of infractions, environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, and market displays on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways.”
According to the commissioner, enforcement officials uncovered “a disturbing act of vandalism beneath the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija.”
He said investigations showed that “suspected hoodlums had deliberately vandalised critical structural components of the bridge by removing iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables, and other supporting materials essential to the integrity of the infrastructure.”
Wahab warned that the alleged vandalism could have serious consequences for motorists and other road users, stressing that “this criminal act poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines the government’s investment in critical infrastructure.”
Following the discovery, the state government carried out a joint midnight enforcement operation involving officers of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, and the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, task force.
“The operation led to the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums, who will be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State,” Wahab said.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s determination to protect public infrastructure and prevent further vandalism across the state.
He said the authorities would continue to intensify enforcement against individuals involved in vandalism, environmental violations and other activities capable of threatening public safety.
“The Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting public infrastructure and will continue to take decisive action against individuals or groups engaged in acts of vandalism, environmental infractions, and other criminal activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents,” he said.
