The Lagos State Task Force on Environment and Special Offences has arrested six persons, including two women, over alleged illegal sales of petroleum products by the roadside.
The agency’s spokesman, Mr. Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said 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.
The spokesman added that the suspects were caught red-handed hawking petrol to motorists at exorbitant rates, thereby further exacerbating the already tense situation faced by residents of Lagos.
The statement read: “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 warned individuals or groups who connive with petrol station attendants to sell petroleum products to desist forthwith or risk arrest and prosecution.
He assured that the agency would continue to clamp down on illegal petroleum merchants.
The spokesman said the suspects would be charged to court and the seized petroleum products would be forfeited to the Lagos State government through the court.
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