The Longbridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has been plunged into darkness following the reported removal of 168 solar-powered streetlights installed along the busy corridor.

The vandalism has raised fresh concerns about the safety of motorists, particularly at night, along a section of the expressway that has previously been associated with security challenges involving stranded motorists.

The affected streetlights were installed along the approximately five-kilometre stretch of the Longbridge to improve visibility and enhance security for road users travelling between Lagos and Ogun State.

A recent inspection of the section reportedly revealed that 168 lighting points had been stripped of their poles, solar panels and other components.

The removal appears to have occurred gradually, with several stretches of the bridge reportedly left without functional lighting. In some areas, multiple consecutive lighting points have been removed, creating extended dark sections along the expressway.

Some of the affected installation points reportedly showed signs of damage consistent with the forcible removal of the infrastructure.

The disappearance of the streetlights has renewed concerns among motorists who use the expressway, particularly commuters whose vehicles may break down or become immobilised in traffic at night.

Road users have warned that poorly illuminated sections could make it more difficult for motorists to identify obstacles and may create opportunities for criminals to target vulnerable commuters.

“This is very sad. The theft was carefully carried out by a group because no one can dismantle a streetlight pole in ten minutes,” a commuter identified as Segun said.

“If there is no light, it becomes much easier for criminals to operate unnoticed when motorists have vehicle breakdowns,” he added.

The Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Richard Adeleye, reportedly confirmed the vandalism and said security agencies had taken steps to identify those responsible.

Some suspects allegedly caught vandalising the infrastructure have reportedly been arrested and taken through legal proceedings.

The development has also renewed calls for stronger protection of public infrastructure along major highways, including increased security patrols and surveillance around vulnerable installations.

Stakeholders have further called for tighter controls around the scrap-metal trade, arguing that stolen public infrastructure can be dismantled and sold through informal scrap markets.

The incident highlights the wider challenge of protecting government infrastructure after installation. Beyond the cost of replacing the stolen equipment, the loss of the lighting system could undermine efforts to improve road safety and security along one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.

Authorities are expected to continue investigations, while motorists have been advised to exercise caution when travelling through the affected section at night.