Lagos arrests 27 over Festac Bridge vandalism, vows prosecution

The Lagos state government has condemned the vandalisation of critical structural components of the Festac Town–Alakija Link Bridge, announcing the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums during a midnight enforcement operation and vowing to prosecute them.

The suspects were apprehended beneath the newly constructed flyover following a joint operation by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force, as part of an on-going exercise to restore order along the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway.

The enforcement drive targeted environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, market displays on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to sanitise the strategic corridor.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed Friday that officials uncovered extensive damage to the bridge during the operation.

According to him, investigations revealed that suspected vandals had removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other structural materials essential to the bridge’s stability, posing a grave risk to public safety.

He said, “Our enforcement operation uncovered a disturbing act of vandalism beneath the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija. Investigations revealed that suspected hoodlums had deliberately removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other supporting materials essential to the integrity of the infrastructure.”

The commissioner said the discovery prompted the coordinated overnight raid, which led to the arrest of the 27 suspects.

“Following this discovery, a joint midnight enforcement operation involving officers of the Rapid Response Squad and the Kick Against Indiscipline 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 added.
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