The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with multiple security agencies, has carried out a major clearance operation targeting illegal fuel merchants along the Toll-Gate axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The operation, aimed at curbing unlawful storage and sale of petroleum products, as well as ensuring public safety along major highways, led to the seizure of substantial quantities of petrol and diesel, according to a statement on Wednesday by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade.
 
The clearance exercise was coordinated by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd); the Executive Adviser on Rule of Law Enforcement, CP Sonubi Ayodele Olufemi (rtd); Chairman of the Environmental Task Force, DCP Francis Ojomo, and Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Iyabode Akinbode.

“The operation was conducted to eliminate the illegal trading of petroleum products and safeguard the lives of commuters and residents along key highways,” Oyelade said.

During the raid, the operatives discovered dozens of litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and diesel stored in 25-litre kegs and large drums. Numerous empty barrels and containers, reportedly used for illegal fuel storage and sale, were also recovered and destroyed on site.

Odukoya and Sonubi condemned the activities of the illegal fuel merchants, describing the practice as hazardous to both public safety and the environment. They emphasised that the state government would not tolerate such operations and vowed to sustain enforcement measures across the state.

The statement further noted that owners of the seized items had been directed to report to OYRLEA within seven days for verification and documentation.

Failure to comply, Oyelade warned, would result in the forfeiture of the impounded items to the state government

The suspected operators were reportedly absent during the raid, and authorities assured that follow-up enforcement operations would continue until illegal fuel trading is completely eliminated.

Oyelade, therefore, urged residents and members of the public to refrain from engaging in unlawful fuel activities and other criminal acts. 

He also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to relevant authorities as the state intensifies efforts to maintain law, order, and environmental compliance.

The clearance operation involved personnel from the OYRTMA, Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oyo State Environmental Task Force, Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Army.

The coordinated effort underscores the state government’s determination to curb illegal activities and enhance public safety while promoting compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.