The Federal Government’s newly deployed CCTV surveillance system has led to the real-time arrest of three suspected vandals on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the disclosure during the parade of the suspects, urging Nigerians to take collective ownership of public infrastructure and protect facilities in their communities.

According to a report by Lanre Gbeleyi, the suspects were caught prying open 156 cat-eye reflective lights installed to improve road safety and aesthetics on the bridge. The act was detected live by the CCTV monitoring team, leading to their immediate arrest.

The suspects, who described themselves as scavengers popularly known as “Bola,” were unable to give coherent explanations when questioned.

Commending the police for their swift action, Umahi expressed concern over what he described as widespread indifference toward public assets. He also condemned poor public discipline on the temporarily opened section of the coastal highway, noting that reckless behavior had resulted in the death of a construction worker.

The minister directed the State Controller of Works to ensure the suspects are prosecuted and warned would-be offenders that the CCTV “eagle eye” on the Third Mainland Bridge is fully active and ready to deter criminal acts.