Lagos State Task Force on Environment and Special Offences has stated that it has arrested six persons, including two women, over alleged illegal sales of petroleum products by the roadside.
Spokesperson for the agency, Mr Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, who confirmed this on Tuesday in a statement said that the task force conducted a sweeping operation on illegal sales of fuel at Fadeyi, Maryland, Charity Bus Stop and Airport Road, where the six suspects were arrested.
He said they persons arrested were caught red-handed hawking petrol to motorists at exorbitant rates, thereby further exacerbating the already tense situation faced by many residents of Lagos.
He said the chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, led the operations, pointing out that the present fuel scarcity was not an excuse for miscreants to exploit the residents.
“The arrested suspects’ practice not only burdens already struggling motorists but also poses significant safety risks due to the highly inflammable nature of petroleum products.
“We are committed to curbing these illegal activities and ensuring that the safety and well-being of the public are not compromised.
“The 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 lead to catastrophic fire disaster,” he noted.
