The Lagos State Task Force on Environment and Special Offences said it had detained six people, including two women, for allegedly selling petroleum products by the roadside.
The agency’s spokesperson, Mr. Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, who confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday said the task force in massive environmental operations involving illegal sale of fuel at Fadeyi, Maryland up to Charity Bus Stop and Airport Road arrested the six accused thieves.
According to him, they were caught red-handed selling petrol to motorists at exorbitant prices, worsening an already difficult situation for many Lagos residents.
He said the operations were led by the chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, adding that the current scarcity of gasoline must not create an avenue for criminals to molest the people.
Abdulraheem observed that these fuel hawkers buy enormous amounts of petrol in gallons and kegs to resell by the roadside.
“The acts by these suspected accused not only drain already suffering motorists, but they also pose significant safety hazards due to the highly flammable nature of the petroleum products.
“We are determined to putting an end to these illegal actions while protecting the public’s safety and well-being.”.
These actions of these black market operators are not only cruel but also a severe threat to public safety, as the improper handling and storage of petrol could culminate into disastrous fire disasters, he warned.
Abdulraheem further warned that individuals or groups colluding with some filling stations to divert the sale of petroleum products should desist forthwith or be arrested.
He reassured that the agency would intensify its sting operation on illegal fuel sellers.
