The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising critical structural components of the newly constructed bridge linking FESTAC Town to Alakija.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the suspects were arrested during a joint midnight enforcement operation by officers of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, and the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, task force.

The operation followed the discovery of vandalism beneath the bridge during an enforcement exercise carried out in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, market displays on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways, as well as other forms of infractions.

According to the government, investigations showed that the suspected hoodlums deliberately removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other structural materials essential to the integrity of the bridge.

It described the act as a serious threat to public safety and said it also undermines the government’s investment in critical infrastructure.

“This criminal act poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines the government’s investment in critical infrastructure,” the statement said.  

The government said the 27 suspects would be prosecuted in line with the extant laws of Lagos State.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public infrastructure, adding that it would continue to take decisive action against individuals and groups involved in vandalism, environmental infractions and other criminal activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents.

Nigerian troops have neutralised nine terrorists in a precision air strike in Borno and apprehended six suspected kidnappers and terrorist logistics suppliers receiving treatment for gunshot wounds in Plateau.

This is contained in a Military Operational Report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Friday.

The report stated that the successes were recorded during ongoing operations across the North-East, North-Central and other theatres.

It noted that an Air Interdiction Mission, codenamed GUARDIAN, tracked three motorcycles conveying nine terrorists around Mai Hisari Arege in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno.

It added that the aircraft conducted a precision strike, destroying the motorcycles and neutralising all nine terrorists.

The report also revealed that troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested six suspected kidnappers and terrorist logistics suppliers at a hospital in Jos South Local Government Area.

It said the suspects, who were receiving treatment for gunshot and machete wounds are in military custody for further investigation.

“Troops also arrested a Fulani youth leader in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna over alleged links to a recent terrorist attack on Naridon Community.

“In Benue, troops conducting offensive operations in Ukum Local Government Area made contact with suspected terrorists, killing one while others fled.

“The troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a motorcycle and other items during the operation.

“Meanwhile, troops responding to an attack on herders in Guma Local Government Area of Benue arrested a suspect accused of macheting a herder, while the injured victim was evacuated for medical treatment,” it said.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recovered six rustled cows and ₦165,000 during an intelligence-led operation in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The operation also led to the arrest of four suspected members or collaborators of the Lakurawa terrorist network.

This was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama on Friday.

According to the report, troops from Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out the operation at Darusa Village Market on the morning of Thursday, following intelligence that suspected terrorists had entered the market to sell stolen livestock.

“The troops moved into the market, identified the suspects and arrested them before the transaction could be completed.

“Apart from the six cows and the cash, the troops also recovered two mobile phones believed to be linked to the suspected illegal livestock business,” Makama wrote.

The suspects were identified as Usman Bammo, 45, from Huss Village in Gudu LGA; Muhammadu Dage, 25, from Birnin Kebbi in Kebbi State; Ali Usman, 23, from Binji LGA; and Abubakar Garba, 30, from Silame LGA, all in the North-West.

Military sources said preliminary investigations showed that the suspects were believed to be members or collaborators of the Lakurawa network, which has been linked to cattle rustling and other criminal activities in Sokoto and neighbouring states.

The suspects remain in military custody for questioning and are expected to be handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.