The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected vandals accused of damaging a newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija during a late-night enforcement operation aimed at protecting public infrastructure.
The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad and the Kick Against Indiscipline task force after authorities discovered extensive vandalism beneath the bridge.
According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, investigations showed that the suspects allegedly removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other vital materials needed to keep the bridge structurally safe.
Wahab described the destruction as a serious threat to public safety, warning that tampering with critical infrastructure could put the lives of thousands of motorists and residents who use the bridge at risk every day.
He said the state government would not tolerate attacks on public assets, stressing that anyone caught vandalising government facilities would face the full weight of the law.
The commissioner confirmed that all 27 suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Lagos State, adding that investigations are continuing to determine whether more people were involved in the act.
He also assured residents that security agencies would intensify surveillance around bridges and other critical infrastructure to prevent further acts of vandalism and safeguard government investments.
The Lagos State Government urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities around public facilities, insisting that protecting critical infrastructure requires the cooperation of both security agencies and residents.