The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town and Alakija and removing metals used to reinforce the structure.
The suspects were arrested during a joint midnight enforcement operation carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force.
The operation followed the discovery that critical components of the newly constructed bridge had allegedly been vandalised, raising concerns over the safety and structural integrity of the infrastructure.
According to a statement shared on the X handle of the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the enforcement operation was conducted in line with the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of environmental infractions, illegal motor parks, roadside trading and other unlawful activities.
The Commissioner said investigations showed that the suspects allegedly removed key structural materials from the bridge, including iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other supporting components.
“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,” Wahab said.
He described the alleged vandalism as a serious threat to public safety and the integrity of the bridge, warning that such acts could undermine government investments in critical infrastructure.
Following the discovery, security operatives launched a coordinated enforcement operation at the site, resulting in the arrest of 27 suspects.
The Lagos State Government said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of the state.
The government also reiterated its commitment to protecting public infrastructure and ensuring that individuals who engage in vandalism or other activities capable of endangering public safety are brought to justice.