Authorities say suspects removed critical structural materials as government intensifies crackdown on infractions along Lagos-Badagry Highway

The Lagos State Government has announced the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising key structural components of the newly constructed Festac Town–Alakija link bridge.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Friday, noting that the arrests were made during an enforcement operation along the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway.

According to Wahab, officials discovered significant damage to the bridge during routine monitoring and enforcement activities aimed at tackling environmental violations and transport-related infractions in the area. Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects allegedly tampered with vital elements of the bridge, including iron rods, steel reinforcements, electrical cables, and other materials critical to the structure’s stability.

He described the act as a serious threat to public safety and infrastructure, warning that such vandalism could compromise the durability and lifespan of the bridge, which serves as an important link for commuters and businesses in the Festac and Alakija axis.

“The removal of these components is not only illegal but dangerous. It undermines government efforts to provide safe and durable infrastructure for residents,” Wahab said.

The enforcement operation, which led to the arrests, also targeted other violations such as illegal motor parks, roadside trading, and environmental pollution along the busy highway corridor. Authorities say these activities contribute to congestion, environmental degradation, and safety risks.

The commissioner confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage and whether the suspects are part of a larger network involved in infrastructure vandalism across the state.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting public assets and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around critical infrastructure.

The Festac–Alakija link bridge is a key component of Lagos State’s broader transport infrastructure upgrade, designed to ease traffic flow and improve connectivity along the Lagos-Badagry corridor.