10 arrested as vandals steal 1,800 manholes on coastal highway

Lagos State Police have arrested 10 individuals suspected of repeatedly vandalizing and stealing public infrastructure, particularly manhole covers, from the newly constructed Lagos Coastal Road. The suspects were apprehended on August 17, 2026, following intelligence gathering. Police Commissioner Fatai Tijani stated that vandalized iron materials were recovered and that preliminary investigations link the suspects to the incessant destruction of the road's infrastructure. They have reportedly made statements admitting their involvement.

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Vandalised iron materials were recovered during the operation. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are linked to the incessant vandalism of the Coastal Road infrastructure. The suspects have also made statements regarding their alleged involvement in the offence.

The police command is collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure all those responsible for the ongoing theft of public property are brought to justice. In a related incident, a 28-year-old man was arrested for vandalizing and stealing CCTV camera cables and irons from the Third Mainland Bridge. He confessed to selling the stolen copper wires to scavengers and scrap dealers for approximately N12,000 per kilogramme. The investigation is ongoing to apprehend his alleged accomplice.

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The command is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for the continued destruction and theft of public infrastructure are brought to justice.

The scale of the damage to the coastal road project was revealed by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare. He reported that no fewer than 1,800 manhole covers have been stolen from the superhighway between January and August 2026, underscoring the significant financial and infrastructural losses incurred.

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During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the vandalisation and carted away cables connecting CCTV cameras, and some irons installed along the bridge and its environs. The suspect further stated that he had been involved in the activity for several months and usually sold the vandalised copper wires to scavengers and scrap dealers at about N12,000 per kilogramme.