The Lagos State Government says it has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums following the alleged vandalism of a newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija.

The arrests followed a joint midnight enforcement operation by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force after authorities uncovered the alleged destruction of critical components of the bridge.

According to a post via the X handle of the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the operation was carried out in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to clear the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of environmental infractions, illegal motor parks, roadside trading and other unlawful activities.

The commissioner said investigations revealed that suspected hoodlums had deliberately removed key structural materials from the bridge, posing a threat to public safety.

“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 said

The statement described the alleged vandalism as a serious threat to the integrity of the infrastructure and the government’s investment in public projects.

Following the discovery, security operatives launched a coordinated enforcement operation, leading to the arrest of 27 suspects.

“The operation led to the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums, who will be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State.”