In a significant breakthrough, the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) has successfully intercepted a fuel theft operation in the Isheri-Idimu community of Lagos, bringing a halt to their nefarious activities.
The fuel thefts occurred at the Pipeline Road, near the Jonathan Estate in Isheri-Idimu, in the early hours of Saturday.
The oil thieves managed to fill three fuel tankers before concerned residents alerted the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), who swiftly arrived at the scene. Faced with the RRS team, the oil thieves, numbering over 60, fled, leaving behind one 11,000-litre fuel tanker that was yet to be filled. Many arrests were made during the operation.
Residents explained that the entire area experienced a sudden blackout as the public power supply was deliberately switched off, a situation the residents deemed unusual.
They revealed that this illegal bunkering activity had taken place at the same spot ten days prior, alerting residents to remain vigilant. During that operation, the oil thieves successfully loaded three 33,000-litre tankers under the cover of darkness.
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What is particularly concerning about these illegal activities is that they are carried out openly on a road, rather than in a hidden location within the bush. The spot is situated in front of a row of shops that typically close for business before 10 pm. The thieves have likely gone unnoticed for a long time as they operate at night when residents are asleep, and the area becomes deserted.
Residents are urgently calling on NNPCL officials to seal the compromised pipeline to prevent the risk of a fire outbreak.
Additionally, they are appealing to the authorities to repair the Pipeline Road and its adjacent streets to make it more challenging for illegal bunkering activities to tamper with the pipeline.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of the community and the potential environmental hazards posed by the fuel thefts. Residents fear the possibility of a catastrophic fire outbreak if the compromised pipeline is not promptly secured. They are demanding immediate action from the NNPCL to address this security threat and safeguard the well-being of the community.
Furthermore, the residents are calling on relevant authorities to enhance security measures in the area, including increased surveillance, regular patrols, and the installation of security cameras to deter oil thieves and other criminal elements.
This incident serves as a reminder of the need for heightened vigilance and collaborative efforts between the community, law enforcement agencies, and the NNPCL to combat fuel theft and ensure the safety and security of residents in Isheri-Idimu and other susceptible areas.
