Twenty-seven suspected hoodlums have been arrested for allegedly vandalising components of the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija in Lagos State.
The suspects were arrested during a collaborative enforcement operation conducted by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Task Force, following the discovery of the alleged vandalism beneath the bridge.
According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the operation was carried out in line with a directive by the Lagos State Government to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of infractions, including environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading and the unauthorised use of highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways.
He explained that the enorcement agencies discovered that suspected hoodlums had allegedly vandalised portions of the newly constructed bridge by removing iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other materials supporting the structure.
Following the discovery, officers of the RRS and KAI Task Force carried out a midnight operation at the location, during which the 27 suspects were apprehended.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Government said it would continue to protect public infrastructure and take decisive action against individuals and groups involved in vandalism, environmental infractions and other activities capable of threatening the safety and wellbeing of residents.
As a reaction the vandalization, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu warned against such crimes, describing t s barbaric.
“Lagos will not tolerate any act of vandalism because it is barbaric and criminal,” he said.
The government also reiterated its commitment to maintaining order along the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway and protecting investments in critical infrastructure across the state.