The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising 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.
The government said the operation was carried out in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, market displays on highway setbacks, pedestrian walkways and other forms of infractions.
According to the government, enforcement officials uncovered what it described as a disturbing act of vandalism beneath the newly constructed bridge during routine operations.
Investigations revealed that suspected hoodlums had deliberately removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other structural materials essential to the integrity of the bridge.
The government warned that the vandalism poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines its investment in critical infrastructure.
It added that the 27 suspects arrested during the operation would be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public infrastructure, stating that it would continue to take decisive action against individuals and groups involved in vandalism, environmental infractions and other criminal activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents.