The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums over the alleged vandalism of the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town and Alakija.
Newsonspot gathered that the suspects were arrested during a midnight joint enforcement operation conducted by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force.
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the arrests on Friday, saying the suspects were allegedly caught removing critical materials from the bridge.
According to the commissioner, investigations revealed that iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other materials considered essential to the structural integrity of the bridge had been deliberately removed.
Wahab said the discovery was made during enforcement operations along the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway.
The operation followed a directive by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to rid the corridor of environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading and other forms of infractions.
The commissioner described the alleged vandalism as a serious threat to public safety, warning that the removal of structural components could endanger motorists and pedestrians while undermining the government’s investment in the infrastructure.
The 27 suspects are expected to be prosecuted under Lagos State laws.
Wahab also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure, stressing that enforcement operations against vandals and other offenders would continue.
The Festac-Alakija link bridge is a recent addition to Lagos’ road network and was constructed to improve connectivity between Festac Town and Alakija.
The alleged removal of key structural materials has raised concerns over the safety of the facility and the need for authorities to prevent further damage.
The arrested suspects are expected to face court proceedings as the government moves to prosecute them.
Authorities have also indicated that similar enforcement operations will be carried out along major highways to protect public infrastructure from vandalism and other illegal activities.
