The Federal Government has handed over three patrol vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force to boost security and curb vandalism on Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The vehicles were presented on Saturday by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Jimoh. Zone 2 covers Lagos and Ogun States.
Mr Dare explained that the move was prompted by rising cases of theft of steel fences and other materials installed along the highway. He noted that the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, had expressed concern over vandalism and directed the procurement of additional patrol vehicles.
“We have held several meetings with the police on strengthening security on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, particularly Section One,” Mr Dare said. “The minister is pained by reports of theft of steel fences and other construction materials. These three patrol vehicles will support police operations and help stop vandalism.”
He expressed confidence that the vehicles would be deployed effectively to protect the infrastructure.
Receiving the vehicles, AIG Jimoh commended Mr Umahi for his continued support in safeguarding federal assets. He recalled that the ministry had previously donated two modified patrol vehicles and a surveillance control centre for the Third Mainland Bridge.
“Late last year, the minister provided two patrol vehicles and a multimillion-naira surveillance centre for the Third Mainland Bridge. Today, he has added three more vehicles to secure the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as construction extends into Ogun and other states,” Mr Jimoh said.
The vehicles will be operated by Zone 2 Headquarters to ensure seamless policing across state boundaries. Mr Jimoh added that when he was Lagos Commissioner of Police, over 30 patrol teams were deployed along the corridor, with four vehicles provided by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
He noted that those measures had yielded results, with no reported robbery or car snatching on the road since it opened to traffic in December 2025. Vandalism has also dropped significantly, with no cases recorded in the past three weeks. More than 25 suspects arrested for vandalising road infrastructure have been charged to court and remanded.
“We warn anyone intending to make money through vandalism that we are after them,” Mr Jimoh said.
He assured road users of the highway’s safety but cautioned against speeding, reminding them that the speed limit remains 30km/h. Violators will be arrested and prosecuted.
“These vehicles will not only provide security but also enforce safety. Anyone who exceeds the speed limit will be apprehended, because the safety of all road users matters,” he said.
(NAN)