The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising the newly constructed Festac–Alakija bridge during a midnight enforcement operation.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the arrests in a statement posted on X on Friday. He explained that the suspects were apprehended during a joint operation conducted beneath the bridge by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables, and other critical components essential to the structural integrity of the bridge. Mr. Wahab described the incident as a grave threat to public safety and government infrastructure.
“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 stated.
According to the commissioner, the suspects will be prosecuted in line with the extant laws of Lagos State. He stressed that the government would not tolerate acts of vandalism that undermine public safety or sabotage investments in infrastructure.
This development comes months after the Lagos State Police Command arrested an 18‑year‑old suspect for allegedly vandalising reflective road studs installed on the Third Mainland Bridge. Authorities warned at the time that attacks on public infrastructure endanger motorists and impose additional financial burdens on the government.
Mr. Wahab reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting public assets and ensuring accountability for offenders.
“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 commissioner did not disclose the identities of the suspects or specify when they would be arraigned.
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