# Infrastructure theft and vandalism in Lagos

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/infrastructure-theft-and-vandalism-in-lagos
> Updated: 2026-08-23T10:19:53.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Authorities in Lagos have conducted several operations targeting the theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure. In late July, the Airport Police Command announced the planned arraignment of 13 suspects for allegedly stealing copper cables and iron components from rehabilitation sites at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

By late August, the scope of reported thefts expanded to include major public works. The Lagos State Police Command arrested ten suspects for the alleged theft of 1,800 manholes from the newly constructed Lagos Coastal Road. Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani confirmed that vandalized iron materials were recovered, noting that preliminary investigations suggest the group is linked to the “incessant destruction” of the road’s infrastructure.

In the Ibeju-Lekki area, police arrested five individuals—identified as Mohammed Shaibu, 26; Musa Zakari, 29; Abdullahi Bala, 22; Salisu Musa, 18; and Yahuza Bala, 20—suspected of stealing iron rods and poles intended for telecommunication masts. Authorities recovered a truckload of the stolen materials during the operation, which was supported by the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division. 

Police spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who fled the scene and to determine the full scope of the group’s activities. The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba. Commissioner Tijani Fatai has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and has urged residents to report suspicious activities.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Lagos police arrest five suspects for telecommunications vandalism

Lagos police arrested five suspects in Ibeju-Lekki for allegedly stealing iron poles intended for telecommunication masts, recovering a truckload of stolen materials during the operation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lagos-police-arrest-five-suspects-for-telecommunications-vandalism

### 2026-08-21: Lagos Police arrest suspects for theft of coastal road and telecom infrastructure

Lagos State Police have arrested several suspects involved in the theft of 1,800 manholes from the Lagos Coastal Road and stolen iron rods intended for telecommunication masts.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lagos-police-arrest-suspects-for-theft-of-coastal-road-and-telecom-infrastructure

### 2026-07-31: Lagos Airport Police to Arraign 13 Suspects for Theft of Construction Materials

Lagos Airport Police will arraign 13 suspects accused of stealing copper cables and iron parts from construction sites at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, after a Joint Monitoring Task Force raid.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lagos-airport-police-to-arraign-13-suspects-for-theft-of-construction-materials

---
Cite as: Infrastructure theft and vandalism in Lagos. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/infrastructure-theft-and-vandalism-in-lagos