The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums in connection with the vandalism of the Festac-Alakija Bridge, after investigations reportedly found that iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other vital structural materials had been deliberately removed.
Lagos is located in the Nigeria’s South-West region.
The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising the Festac-Alakija Bridge.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed this in a post on X, said the suspects were arrested during an operation in line with the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of all forms of infractions and environmental pollution.
Wahab said that the operation was also against illegal motor parks, roadside trading, and market displays on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways, adding that it uncovered a disturbing act of vandalism beneath the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija.
“Investigations revealed 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,” he stated.
The commissioner further noted that the “criminal act” poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines the government’s investment in critical infrastructure.
“Following this discovery, a joint midnight enforcement operation involving officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force was conducted at the location.
“The operation led to the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums, who will be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State,” Wahab.
He assured that the Lagos State Government 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 well-being of residents.
