The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority has carried out a major enforcement operation against illegal fuel traders operating at the Toll Gate axis of the Lagos Ibadan Expressway.
The operation conducted in collaboration with several security agencies led to the discovery and seizure of large quantities of illegally stored petroleum products. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade in Ibadan.
According to the statement the clearance exercise was led by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters Sunday Odukoya a retired Commissioner of Police alongside the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Rule of Law Enforcement Sonubi Ayodele Olufemi. Other officials involved in the operation included the Chairman of the Environmental Task Force Francis Ojomo and the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson Iyabode Akinbode.
The commissioner explained that the joint operation was carried out to curb illegal trading of petroleum products and improve safety along one of the busiest highways in Nigeria.
During the enforcement exercise officials discovered dozens of litres of Premium Motor Spirit commonly known as petrol and sel stored in 25 litre kegs and large drums. Authorities also found numerous empty barrels and containers used for the illegal storage and sale of petroleum products.
All recovered items were immediately impounded while the empty containers were destroyed at the scene to prevent further illegal activities.
Security officials condemned the activities of illegal fuel merchants noting that such practices pose serious threats to public safety the environment and road users along major highways.
The authorities also directed owners of the seized items to report to the enforcement office within seven days for proper identification and documentation. Failure to do so may lead to the forfeiture of the items to the Oyo State government.
Officials said suspected operators were not present at the location during the operation but assured that enforcement activities would continue until illegal fuel trading is completely eliminated.
The operation involved personnel from several agencies including the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps the Nigeria Police Force the Nigerian Army and the Amotekun Corps.
Residents were urged to avoid illegal fuel trading and report suious activities to relevant authorities as the state government intensifies efforts to maintain safety order and environmental compliance.
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