The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, working with several security agencies, has carried out a clearance operation against illegal fuel traders operating around the Toll Gate area along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The operation resulted in the discovery and seizure of several litres of illegally stored petroleum products, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
Oyelade explained that the joint exercise was led by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Sunday Odukoya (retd); the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Rule of Law Enforcement, Sonubi Ayodele Olufemi (retd); the Chairman of the Environmental Task Force, Francis Ojomo; and the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Iyabode Akinbode.
“The operation was aimed at curbing illegal trading of petroleum products and ensuring public safety along major highways,” the Commissioner said.
“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. The items were impounded, and empty containers were destroyed on site,” Oyelade added.
In the statement, Odukoya and Sonubi condemned the activities of illegal fuel traders, stressing that the Oyo State Government would not tolerate such practices, which they said threaten public safety and the environment.
Oyelade also stated that OYRLEA had directed owners of the seized items to report to its office within seven days for proper identification and documentation, failing which the items may be forfeited to the state government.
According to the statement, the suspected operators were not present at the site during the operation, adding that enforcement activities would continue until such practices are completely stopped.
Oyelade urged residents to avoid engaging in illegal fuel trading and other criminal acts and encouraged them to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. He added that the state government is intensifying efforts to maintain safety, order and environmental compliance across Oyo State.
The operation involved personnel from the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army.
