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Lagos: Nigerian Army Uncovers Illegal Oil Bunkering Depot In Ikeja

Published

3 years ago

Jan 18, 2022.

Lagos: Nigerian Army Uncovers Illegal Oil Bunkering Depot In Ikeja

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Nigerian Army has discovered an illegal oil bunkering depot in Oregun, Ikeja area of Lagos, where siphoned crude oil is refined and transported to different filling stations within the South West region.

Five persons were arrested, while four tankers loaded with the refined products and five ford vans, were seized.

Briefing newsmen on the arrest, the Operation Officer, 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ikeja Cantonment, Major Tarela Emuren, revealed that the arrest and recovery were made by troops of Operation AWATSE, after an eight hour raid operation at the site last Wednesday.

“The scale of economic sabotages orchestrated by this unscrupulous act is estimated to be worth about N300 million. Regrettably, these activities have been ongoing for quite some time without the knowledge of relevant government agencies,” Major Emuren said.

“The five Ford vans have been specially modified, without due recourse to safety, to accommodate locally fabricated tanks for storage of stolen petroleum products.

“Additionally, four tankers were also recovered at the illegal depot laden with suspected stolen products as well as several drums, hoses and other equipment used by these economic saboteurs.

“Beside the economic loss occasioned by the activities of these criminals, the safety concern is also worrisome. The location constitutes serious dangers to other law-abiding residents within the community while their activities result in environmental degradation, pollution and heighten the risk of fire outbreak.

“Also, the crude modification of vehicles used in conveying these highly inflammable products constitute even greater dangers to other unsuspecting road users in Lagos and other places the products may be transported to.”

Reiterating the commitment of Op AWATSE to curbing oil related criminal activities within the South West axis, Major Emuren called on Nigerians to join the fight against unpatriotic citizens , by availing intelligence or information on suspicious activities observed within their localities to security agencies , for necessary action.

Furthermore, he warned those still engaged in the unlawful practice to desist forthwith, stating that Op AWATSE would not rest on its oars till they were brought to book.

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