How Lagos Police Smashed Fuel Theft Syndicate, Uncovered Receiver Gas Station
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have uncovered a syndicate specializing in the hijacking of petroleum tankers and other articulated vehicles transporting goods.
Seven suspected members of the gang were arrested during an operation on Saturday morning at Ejigbo area of Lagos, just as detectives recovered a 45,000 litre tanker Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) hijacked around Alaka in Surulere by the gang.
The suspects were identified as a businessman, Izuchukwu Nwanoruo, 34; a tricyclist Kayode Falodun, 29; a mechanic Ojo Ayodele, 35; a graphic designer Ayomide Thompson, 24; two drivers Ahmed Saliu, 37 and Babatunde Ahmed, 38; and a trader Igbalaye Kareem, 38.
According to a statement by spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the operation was conducted around 6am on Saturday, adding that the tanker which the driver said was fully laden with PMS at the point of hijack, was recovered empty at the Orile area of the state.
He said the operation followed a report by the tanker driver that his vehicle was hijacked while on transit, adding that a greater number of the suspects were resident at Ejigbo, while others resided at Ijegun Ijedodo and Ogun State.
“The police teams promptly swung into action, immediate response and discreet investigation into the case led the operatives to a filling station in Ejigbo, where the stolen PMS had been offloaded. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered another tanker being loaded with the same product stolen from the hijacked tanker.
“The seven suspects involved in this criminal act were promptly arrested at the filling station. Additionally, the fuel tanker being used to transport away the stolen fuel has been recovered to the Police Station as exhibit. The suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations,” said Hundeyin.
Commanding the operatives for their diligence, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh, assured residents of the unreserved commitment of the command to ensuring adequate safety of lives and property.
“CP Jimoh equally encourages Lagosians to continue providing timely information to aid the efforts of the police in maintaining security across the state. All suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations,” added Hundeyin.
