The Federal Ministry of Works has announced its collaboration with the police to enhance security and prevent vandalism on the Third Mainland Bridge, aiming to protect public infrastructure.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, confirmed this initiative in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos. According to NAN, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State police command arrested a suspected vandal on Friday who was removing LED road stud lights from the recently renovated Third Mainland Bridge. Police reports indicate that the suspect had already removed 10 lights before being apprehended by patrol officers.
She indicated that police trucks have been positioned on the bridge to enable officers to promptly respond to incidents and curb vandalism, emphasizing that the ministry will not tolerate any damage to public infrastructure.
“We have written to the Commissioner of Police to ensure more surveillance on the Third Mainland Bridge, and we have stationed police trucks on the bridge.
“Police officers now patrol the bridge more frequently; these increased security measures have led to the arrest of a number of miscreants, who were vandalizing public property.
“We saw that the cat-eye lights were vandalized, and the vandals were promptly arrested and taken to police custody.
“More miscreants were also arrested for vandalism even on Monday. This shows a strong response from the authorities. Our eyes are on the Third Mainland Bridge.”
Mrs. Kesha stated that, to prevent further theft on the Third Mainland Bridge, the ministry replaced iron gratings on manholes with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
This material is less attractive to thieves and easier to identify, enhancing security. She also urged Nigerians to protect public property as diligently as their private property and to report any acts of vandalism or potential threats to the relevant authorities to help maintain the safety and integrity of the bridge.
