The Federal Government and the Lagos State Police Command have restated commitment to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in a bid to protect critical infrastructure while ensuring major developmental projects across the state particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway were not undermined by criminal elements.
The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Olufemi Dare, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, said this in Ikeja, when suspected vandals arrested for allegedly vandalising sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway were paraded.
The suspects were presented to journalists at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
Addressing the Journalists, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, said the arrests underscore the Command’s commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and bringing perpetrators of economic sabotage to justice.
He warned that the police would sustain intelligence-led operations and collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure that anyone involved in vandalising public assets is apprehended and prosecuted.
Also speaking, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, condemned the destruction of facilities on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing it as a setback to a project designed to boost transportation, commerce and economic development.
Dare on behalf of the Minister of Works, David Umahi commended the Lagos State Police Command for its swift response with the Coastal Guards as well as other security agencies for their support in protecting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
He also urged residents to safeguard public infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities around project sites.
Dare stated that about 1,800 manhole covers installed along the coastal road had been stolen since January, while about 75 directional signs had also been vandalised and removed.
He said the vandalism was undermining the Federal Government’s efforts to develop critical infrastructure and warned that the coastal road would not be allowed to become a haven for criminals.
The Federal Controller further announced restrictions on the coastal highway, warning against the parking of trailers, use of tricycles and motorcycles, illegal U-turns, animal rearing and other activities capable of obstructing the highway.
He urged motorists whose vehicles break down on the road to immediately contact the police or relevant road safety officials for assistance.
Dare said the Federal Ministry of Works, the Lagos State Police Command and the recently launched Coastal Guard would continue to collaborate to secure the project.
He stated that about 12 suspects were being paraded, including alleged vandals and persons accused of creating illegal U-turns and collecting money from motorists.
Dare assured the public that security agencies would intensify efforts to protect critical infrastructure and dismantle networks responsible for the theft and resale of government property.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the Federal Government’s Legacy infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and driving economic growth along Nigeria’s coastline.
