The Federal Government’s newly installed CCTV surveillance system on the Third Mainland Bridge has led to the arrest of three suspected vandals caught removing road safety equipment.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, on Thursday paraded the suspects alongside police officers, saying they were captured in real time while allegedly stealing cat-eye reflective lights (solar road studs) mounted on the bridge.
According to the Minister, the suspects were seen prying open and removing 156 of the reflective devices, which are installed to improve visibility, safety, and aesthetics on the bridge.
The trio reportedly identified themselves as scavengers popularly known as “Bola” but could not give a clear explanation for their actions.
Umahi commended the police and the CCTV monitoring team for their swift response, noting that the arrest demonstrated the effectiveness of the newly deployed surveillance system.
He expressed concerns over persistent vandalism of public infrastructure and urged Nigerians to see the protection of government assets as a collective responsibility.
The Minister also condemned reckless conduct around construction zones, referencing a recent incident on a temporarily opened section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway where a construction worker lost his life.
Umahi directed the Lagos State Controller of Works to ensure the suspects are prosecuted and warned that the government’s “Eagle Eye” CCTV system is now fully operational to detect and deter criminal activities on major roads.