Oyo, security operatives launch operation against illegal fuel merchants

…impound litres of illegally-stored petroleum

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with multiple Security Agencies, has conducted a successful clearance operation targeting illegal fuel merchants operating at the Toll Gate along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

This is as the Government said inspite of the insecurity in the country, Oyo State remains one of the safest State, saying but for the kinetic and non-kinetic nature of Governor Seyi Makinde fending off criminals from Oyo State, the siege on Ekiti and neighbouring Kwara would have overwhelmed the pacesetter State.

However, the operation at the toll gate resulted in the discovery and impounding of several litres of illegally stored petroleum products.

The joint operation, led by Sunday Odukoya, retired Commissioner of Police and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, and CP Sonubi Ayodele Olufemi, retired Commissioner of Police and Executive Adviser to the Governor on Rule of Law Enforcement, alongside Francis Ojomo, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and the Chairman of the Environmental Task Force and the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Iyabode Akinbode, aimed to curb illegal trading of petroleum products and ensure public safety along major highways.

During the operation, dozens of litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and diesel were found stored in 25-litre kegs and large drums, with numerous empty barrels and containers used for illegal storage and sale of petroleum products also discovered. The items were impounded, and empty containers were destroyed on site.

Odukoya and Sonubi condemned the activities of illegal fuel merchants, emphasising that the Oyo State Government would not tolerate such practices, which pose a threat to public safety and the environment.

The OYRLEA has directed owners of the impounded items to report to their office within seven days for proper identification and documentation, or risk forfeiture to the Oyo State Government.

The suspected operators, however, were not present at the location during the exercise, but enforcement will be a continuum until such indiscriminate acts are nipped in the bud.

Residents and members of the public were also urged to refrain from engaging in illegal fuel trading and other hideous crimes and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate Authorities, as the State Government intensifies efforts to maintain safety, order, and environmental compliance across Oyo State.

The operation involved personnel from OYRTMA, the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, OYRLEA, NSCDC, Oyo State Environmental Task Force, Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Army.