Federal Government Deploys Specialized Guards to Secure Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

The Federal Government has officially launched the Coastal Highway Guards, a dedicated security unit established to safeguard the multi-trillion naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway against vandalism, theft, and illegal occupation.

Minister of Works David Umahi inaugurated the security force with an initial deployment of 40 officers. Led by retired General Adekunle Shodunke, the unit will operate in close coordination with established security agencies in Lagos State to maintain continuous surveillance along the critical infrastructure corridor.

The security measures follow growing concerns regarding systemic vandalism and unauthorized activities along completed and under-construction segments of the route. Authorities reported instances of individuals dismantling concrete perimeter barriers, stealing reinforcement steel, loitering, and illegally squatting on the highway corridor.

Under the new operational guidelines, the highway guards will enforce strict restrictions across several areas, including continuous monitoring to prevent the destruction or theft of government assets, enforcing a total ban on commercial tricycles (Keke) and motorcycles (Okada), and prohibiting street hawking, unauthorized trading, and loitering along the alignment.

Umahi emphasized that the guards’ deployment is a full-time security responsibility aimed at protecting vital national assets rather than a social welfare initiative. The Ministry of Works has also urged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to step up monitoring along the route, noting that infrastructure projects remain open to full oversight by federal anti-corruption agencies.

When completed, the 750-kilometer, 10-lane Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway constructed by Hitech Construction Company Limited will span eight coastal states, significantly boosting regional commerce and maritime transport links between Lagos and Cross River.