27 arrested over vandalism of Festac-Alakija bridge

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

No fewer than 27 suspected vandals have been arrested following the directive of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to security agencies to go after those responsible for the vandalism of the Festac-Alakija Bridge.

The suspects were apprehended during a joint enforcement operation after a video circulating on social media showed suspected scavengers drilling into the concrete pillars of the bridge to remove embedded iron rods.

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the arrests, saying preliminary investigations indicated that the suspected vandals had removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other materials critical to the bridge’s structural integrity.

The development came after Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, on Friday, August 7, 2026, directed security agencies to apprehend those behind the act.

The Governor condemned the vandalism, describing it as “barbaric and criminal”, and warned that anyone found culpable would face the law.

“Lagos will not tolerate any act of vandalism because it is barbaric and criminal,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He, however, assured Lagos residents that the structural integrity of the bridge remained intact after officials of the Office of Infrastructure inspected the facility.

“I have been informed by officials of the Office of Infrastructure who visited the bridge that the structural integrity of the bridge is intact and remedial work will be executed immediately to protect the columns,” he said.

According to the Governor, the state would not tolerate acts of violence or vandalism against critical infrastructure and other public facilities.

“Anyone who is found to be culpable in this horrendous, shameful and condemnable incident will surely face the law,” he warned.

Sanwo-Olu further urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant and keep an eye on public facilities to protect them against what he described as senseless attacks.

The video that triggered public concern showed suspected scavengers breaking into sections of the bridge’s concrete supporting columns, apparently to gain access to the metal reinforcements embedded in them.

Wahab said the enforcement operation involved security personnel and officials of the state government and resulted in the arrest of the 27 suspects.

The development has raised fresh concerns over the activities of scavengers around critical public infrastructure, particularly where the removal of structural components could threaten the safety and durability of such facilities.

The Lagos State Government said remedial work would be carried out immediately to protect the affected bridge columns.