The Lagos State government says it has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising a newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town and Alakija.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on Friday on X.

Mr Wahab said the arrests followed a directive by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to eliminate environmental infractions along the Lagos-Badagry transnational highway.

He said the enforcement targeted environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, market displays, highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways.

According to him, officials discovered extensive vandalism beneath the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town and Alakija during the operation.

Mr Wahab alleged that suspected hoodlums removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other structural materials from the bridge.

He said the vandalism endangered public safety and undermined government investment in critical infrastructure across the state.

Mr Wahab said the discovery prompted a joint midnight enforcement operation involving officers of the Rapid Response Squad and the Kick Against Indiscipline task force.

He said the operation resulted in the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums at the location.

According to Mr Wahab, the suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure from vandalism and other criminal activities.

Mr Wahab added that authorities would sustain enforcement against environmental violations and other offences threatening residents’ safety and wellbeing.

 (NAN)