According to the Lagos state government, 27 suspected criminals have been detained for allegedly damaging portions of the recently built bridge that connects Festac Town and Alakija.

In an X post on Friday, Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources, said the arrests followed a joint midnight enforcement operation by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task team.

Wahab said the operation was part of continuous attempts to execute directions by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, to clean the Lagos-Badagry transnational highway of environmental breaches.

“In line with the directive of Mr. Governor @jidesanwoolu to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of all forms of infractions, environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, and market displays on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways, enforcement operations uncovered a disturbing act of vandalism beneath the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija,” the post reads.

The commissioner claims that throughout the operation, law officers discovered widespread vandalism beneath the bridge.

According to Wahab, the suspects took away cables, steel reinforcements, iron rods, and other structural elements that were essential to the bridge's stability.

According to him, the vandalism jeopardises public safety and undercuts infrastructure investments.

Wahab stated that the 27 accused will face legal action in accordance with Lagos state legislation.

In addition to reiterating the state's commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure, he stated that enforcement actions against environmental infractions, vandalism, and other criminal activity would continue throughout the state.

Source