The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums over the alleged vandalism of critical structural components of the newly constructed Festac-Alakija Bridge during a midnight enforcement operation.
The arrests followed a joint operation by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force.
Suspects Accused of Damaging Bridge Structure
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development in a statement shared on Friday.
According to him, the operation was carried out in compliance with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to eliminate environmental violations and criminal activities along the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway.
During the operation, enforcement officers reportedly discovered that suspected hoodlums had removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other structural materials from beneath the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija.
Government Warns Against Infrastructure Vandalism
Wahab described the alleged vandalism as a serious threat to public safety and a direct attack on critical government infrastructure.
He said the removal of essential structural components could compromise the integrity of the bridge and endanger road users.
The commissioner stressed that the state government would continue to protect public assets through intensified enforcement operations.
Suspects to Face Prosecution
According to Wahab, the 27 suspects arrested during the operation will be prosecuted in line with the laws of Lagos State.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling vandalism, illegal activities and environmental infractions across the state.
The Lagos State Government also warned that individuals involved in the destruction of public infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.
