Lagos Arrests 27 Hoodlums for ‘Vandalising’ Newly Constructed Bridge

The Lagos state government says it has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising parts of the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija.

In an X post on Friday, Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources, said the arrests followed a joint midnight enforcement operation by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force.

Wahab said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to enforce directives by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, to clear the Lagos-Badagry transnational highway of environmental infractions.

“In line with the directive of Mr. Governor @jidesanwoolu to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of all forms of infractions, environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, and market displays on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways, enforcement operations uncovered a disturbing act of vandalism beneath the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija,” the post reads.

According to the commissioner, enforcement officials uncovered an extensive vandalism beneath the bridge during the operation.

Wahab said the suspects removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables, and other structural materials critical to the bridge’s integrity.

He said the vandalism poses a threat to public safety and undermines investments in public infrastructure.

Wahab noted that the 27 suspects will be prosecuted in line with the laws of Lagos state.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure, adding that it would sustain enforcement operations against vandalism, environmental violations, and other criminal activities across the state.