Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 12 suspects for alleged vandalism and theft of government infrastructure along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, as authorities raise alarm over the large-scale destruction of the multi-trillion-naira project. The suspects, aged between 19 and 32 years, were arrested on Monday, August 17, 2026, following intelligence gathered during investigations into repeated vandalism of infrastructure along the newly constructed highway. The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this at a joint press conference with the Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, at the command's headquarters in Ikeja on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
According to CP Tijani, some vandalised iron materials were recovered from the suspects, and preliminary investigations have linked them to the alleged offences. The commissioner described the vandalism of the coastal road infrastructure as a cause for concern, warning that it could undermine government projects aimed at improving transportation, connectivity and economic activities. He assured that the suspects would face diligent investigation and those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Tijani also commended police officers, community leaders, government agencies and other stakeholders for providing credible information that led to the arrests, while reiterating the command's commitment to proactive, intelligence-led and community-oriented policing.
The Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, who represented the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, commended the police for arresting the suspects and protecting infrastructure on the coastal road. Dare disclosed that the Federal Government had invested trillions of Naira in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and would not allow criminals to undermine the effort. He revealed that about 1,800 drainage covers had been installed on the road since January, but some had been vandalised, with the concrete covers broken and reinforcement materials removed. Dare added that approximately one kilometre of the clear-view fence installed on the road had been removed by vandals, while about 75 directional signs had equally been stolen. He warned that such acts were capable of affecting safety and the proper use of the road.
According to him, the police have also arrested some persons allegedly operating illegal toll points on the coastal road, and the command was investigating suspected receivers of the stolen materials. "We are trying to get to the root of the matter. We are working seriously to ensure that we get the receivers," Tijani said. Dare emphasised that the road was not a truck park or trading area, warning that illegal parking, trading, bicycle riding, motorcycle riding and the movement of animals would not be tolerated on the highway. He urged Lagos residents to report suspicious activities on the highway to the police and other relevant authorities.
Giving details of the August 17 operation, the commissioner named 10 of the suspects arrested in connection with the vandalism as Courage Ogbemudiah, 19; Michael Janes, 25; Muhammed Mustapha, 25; Muyideen Ola, 32; Emmanuel James, 18; Tadious Nanius, 28; Anthony Nucase, 23; Makinde Muize, 30; Bolaji Raji, 30; and Waliu Kabiru, 28. Vandalised iron materials were recovered during the operation, and the suspects have made statements regarding their alleged involvement in the offences. The commissioner warned that the police would not stop at arresting those found vandalising the highway, stressing that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the receivers and other members of the criminal network.
The scale of the vandalism has shocked authorities, with Dare explaining that the criminals broke the reinforced concrete covers protecting the highway's underground drainage system and removed the steel reinforcement embedded in them for sale. The clear-view perimeter fencing, designed to serve as a protective barrier between adjoining communities and the highway, had been vandalised and removed over a distance of one kilometre. The 75 directional road signs stolen were installed to assist motorists and visitors navigating the route. Tijani said the command had also recovered 14 locally made pistols, one double-barrel long gun, one live cartridge, seven cutlasses, 16 knives, and other exhibits during operations in August.
The Federal Government has declared war on vandals targeting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with Dare announcing that trailers would no longer be allowed to park on the coastal highway, while tricycles, illegal U-turns, animal rearing and other activities capable of obstructing traffic would not be tolerated. "We have declared war on vandals, truck drivers, tricycle riders as well as those riding bicycles. The coastal highway is not a parking space for trucks, neither is the road meant for rearing of animals," Dare declared. He urged the police to ensure that those arrested were prosecuted in accordance with the law to serve as deterrent to others. The Controller commended the Lagos State Police Command, contractors and other stakeholders for their efforts in protecting the project.
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