The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums over the alleged vandalism of critical structural components of the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija.
The arrests followed a midnight enforcement operation conducted by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force as part of efforts to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of vandalism, environmental pollution, illegal motor parks and other infractions.
The Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, said the suspects were found beneath the bridge, where they had allegedly removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other materials essential to the integrity of the structure.
Wahab said the discovery posed a serious threat to public safety and could undermine the government’s investment in the infrastructure.
He added that the operation was carried out in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to enforce compliance along the Lagos-Badagry corridor and protect highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways from illegal activities.
Wahab further said the 27 suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure and said it would continue to take decisive action against individuals and groups involved in vandalism, environmental violations and other activities capable of endangering residents.