At least 168 solar-powered streetlights installed along the Longbridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have been stolen by suspected vandals, according to findings by PUNCH Metro.
The streetlights were installed in 2025 along the approximately five-kilometre bridge to improve visibility and enhance the safety of motorists, particularly at night. However, several months after installation, the lights reportedly began disappearing gradually.
During an inspection of the bridge on Tuesday, several sections were found without streetlighting infrastructure. A count from the OPIC end towards Wawa indicated that about 168 solar-powered streetlights had been removed.
The suspected vandals reportedly dismantled the lights by loosening the screws and nuts securing the poles before taking them away. Some sections spanning as much as 300 metres were found without lights, while other poles appeared to have been forcibly removed.
The development has raised concerns among motorists and business owners because Longbridge is a busy route and has previously been associated with attacks on motorists whose vehicles break down, particularly at night.
A motorist identified as Segun said the theft appeared to have been carefully planned, warning that the return of darkness could increase the risk of criminal attacks and accidents.
Business owners around Wawa also expressed concern, saying the removal of streetlights has made some areas particularly vulnerable after dark.
The vandalism is believed to have occurred gradually and mostly at night. Some poles were reportedly found with only one of the two nuts normally used to secure them, suggesting that vandals may have loosened them during one visit and returned later to remove the remaining fittings.
The Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Richard Adeleye, confirmed the theft and said some suspected vandals had been arrested and charged to court. He added that authorities were working on measures to prevent further incidents.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, also confirmed the arrest of suspected vandals operating along the axis. He said the suspects were arrested while allegedly vandalising critical infrastructure and had been charged to court.
Motorists have called for increased surveillance along the bridge and the immediate replacement of the stolen streetlights. They also urged authorities to intensify efforts to tackle scavengers and vandals targeting public infrastructure.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over the vandalism of public infrastructure in Lagos and Ogun states, including a recent case involving the alleged removal of iron rods from the concrete pillars of a bridge linking Alakija and FESTAC in Lagos.
Authorities have urged residents to report suspicious activities and warned that anyone caught vandalising public infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.
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