The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums over the alleged vandalism of critical components of the newly constructed Festac-Alakija Bridge in Lagos.
The suspects were arrested during a joint midnight enforcement operation by officers of the Rapid Response Squad and the Kick Against Indiscipline task force, following the discovery of damage to structural materials beneath the bridge.
The operation, according to the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, was carried out in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of environmental infractions, illegal activities and other threats to public safety.
Wahab disclosed the arrests in a post on X, saying the enforcement exercise also targeted illegal motor parks, roadside trading and the display of goods on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways.
He said the operation uncovered what he described as a “disturbing act of vandalism” beneath the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town with Alakija.
According to the commissioner, preliminary investigations indicated that suspected hoodlums had deliberately removed critical materials from the bridge, including iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other supporting components.
He said the removal of the materials could compromise the structural integrity of the infrastructure and create a serious safety risk for motorists, pedestrians and other road users.
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“The criminal act poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines the government’s investment in critical infrastructure,” Wahab said.
Following the discovery, security and environmental enforcement officers conducted a midnight operation at the location, leading to the arrest of the 27 suspects. Wahab said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State.
The commissioner did not disclose the identities of the suspects or provide details of the specific charges they would face.
The development comes amid longstanding concerns over activities around the Lagos-Badagry corridor, where roadside trading, illegal occupation of setbacks and other unauthorized activities have previously been reported.
The corridor is an important transport route connecting several densely populated communities in the western part of Lagos. Previous reports have also highlighted concerns about the use of spaces beneath bridges and along the highway for trading, workshops and other activities.
Wahab reaffirmed the government’s position that it would take decisive action against individuals and groups involved in vandalism, environmental violations and other activities considered harmful to public safety.
He also warned that attacks on public infrastructure could undermine government investments and expose residents to avoidable risks.
The 27 suspects are expected to face prosecution as authorities continue efforts to secure the bridge and prevent further damage to critical infrastructure along the Lagos-Badagry corridor.
News Express
