The Lagos State Government says it has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalizing a newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town and Alakija.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on Friday via his official X handle.
According to Wahab, the arrests followed a directive by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intensify enforcement against environmental violations along the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway corridor.
He said the operation targeted environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, unauthorized market displays, highway setbacks and the obstruction of pedestrian walkways.
During the enforcement exercise, officials discovered extensive vandalism beneath the newly completed bridge connecting Festac Town and Alakija.
Wahab alleged that the suspects had removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, electrical cables and other structural components from the bridge, compromising its integrity and posing a serious risk to public safety.
He said the discovery prompted a midnight joint operation by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force, leading to the arrest of the 27 suspects.
The commissioner said those arrested would be prosecuted in line with the laws of Lagos State.
He reiterated the state government’s resolve to safeguard public infrastructure from vandalism and other criminal activities.
Wahab added that enforcement operations would continue across the state to curb environmental infractions and other offenses that threaten public safety and the well-being of residents.
