Coastal Road: Suspected vandals steal 1,800 manhole covers, destroy 1km fence

Vandalism along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has reached alarming levels, with thieves stealing approximately 1,800 manhole covers and destroying one kilometer of clear-view fencing since January, according to the Minister of Works. The Minister, speaking through the Controller of Works for Lagos State, Engr. Olufemi Dare, highlighted that this extensive damage poses a significant threat to the Federal Government's substantial investment in the critical coastal road project.

The Lagos State Police Command, in collaboration with the Works Ministry, has arrested 12 suspects in connection with the ongoing vandalism and the creation of illegal U-turns along the highway. Nine individuals are accused of infrastructure vandalism, while three others were apprehended for establishing unauthorized openings and collecting tolls from motorists. Five of these suspects have already been charged in court, and investigations continue to uncover a wider network allegedly involved in receiving and selling the stolen government property.

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Many of them have been arrested, and some of them are even being charged because those you are seeing here are those that are yet to be charged. because they are still investigating their activities in order to get to the root of the matter. They have receivers. And we must get to their receivers and ensure that all of them have work.

Dare emphasized the authorities' determination to identify and apprehend the receivers of the vandalized materials, stating that the fight against infrastructure damage will extend beyond those caught in the act. The stolen manhole covers, integral to the road's drainage system, were reportedly broken down for their reinforcing iron, which is then sold. The clear-view fencing, installed on both sides of the highway, and about 75 directional signs have also been removed, creating potential hazards for drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the route.

Minister Umahi expressed deep concern that criminal activities are undermining national infrastructure development efforts. He declared a "war on vandals" and pledged to intensify security operations along the highway. The Minister commended the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the recently deployed Coastal Guards for their crucial role in securing the highway and reporting suspicious activities.

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Between January and now, 1,000 metres, which is one kilometre of this clear-view fence, have been vandalised, have been taken away.