Lagos Arrests 27 Suspects Over Festac-Alakija Bridge Vandalism

The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums over the alleged vandalism of the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town and Alakija.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Friday via his official X handle, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Wahab said the arrests followed a directive by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intensify enforcement against environmental violations along the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway.

He said the exercise focused on offences including environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, market displays, encroachment on highway setbacks and obstruction of pedestrian walkways.

According to the commissioner, enforcement officials discovered extensive damage to the infrastructure beneath the newly constructed Festac Town-Alakija bridge.

He alleged that the suspects had removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other structural components from the bridge.

Wahab said the act posed a serious threat to public safety and could undermine the government’s investment in critical infrastructure.

He said the discovery led to a joint midnight operation involving personnel of the Rapid Response Squad and the Kick Against Indiscipline task force.

The operation, he added, resulted in the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums at the scene.

Wahab said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant laws of Lagos State.

He reiterated the state government’s determination to protect public infrastructure and tackle vandalism and other criminal activities across the state.

The commissioner also warned that enforcement would be sustained against environmental violations and other activities capable of endangering residents and undermining public safety.