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 joint midnight enforcement operation by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement posted on X on Friday.
Wahab said the operation was carried out in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of infractions, environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading and market displays on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways.
According to him, enforcement officers uncovered a “disturbing act of vandalism” beneath the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija.
He said investigations revealed that suspected hoodlums had deliberately removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other supporting materials critical to the structural integrity of the bridge.
Wahab described the act as a serious threat to public safety and an attempt to undermine the government’s investment in critical infrastructure.
“Following this discovery, a joint midnight enforcement operation involving officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force was conducted at the location.
“The operation led to the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums, who will be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State,” he said.
The commissioner said the state government remained committed to protecting public infrastructure and would continue to take decisive action against individuals or groups involved in vandalism, environmental infractions and other criminal activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents.
(The Whistler)