A newly constructed Lagos bridge has come under scrutiny after suspected vandals allegedly targeted its vital metal supports.
The Lagos State Government said 27 suspected hoodlums were arrested during a midnight operation at the Festac-Alakija bridge.
The arrests followed a joint operation by the Rapid Response Squad and the Kick Against Indiscipline task force.
The operation was carried out after authorities received information about the removal of important bridge components.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Friday.
He said the suspects allegedly removed materials needed to keep the bridge strong and safe.
“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,” he said.
He said the suspects would face prosecution under Lagos State laws.
“The operation led to the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums, who will be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State,” he noted.
The arrests form part of the state government’s wider enforcement campaign along the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway.
Authorities are also targeting illegal motor parks, roadside trading, environmental offences and other unlawful activities.
Wahab warned that the government would continue protecting public infrastructure from criminals.
“The Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting public infrastructure and will continue to take decisive action against individuals or groups engaged in acts of vandalism, environmental infractions and other criminal activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents,” he said.
The investigation remains ongoing, while authorities have not released the identities of the suspects. The government also did not disclose when the suspects would appear in court.
