NIGERIA: Lagos Police Dismantle Fuel Theft Syndicate, Recover Hijacked Tanker

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have uncovered a fuel theft syndicate responsible for hijacking petroleum tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles transporting goods across the state.

In a coordinated early-morning operation on Saturday, officers arrested seven suspects in the Ejigbo area and recovered a 45,000-litre tanker originally hijacked in Surulere while transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The suspects include, Izuchukwu Nwanoruo, 34 (businessman), Kayode Falodun, 29 (tricyclist), Ojo Ayodele, 35 (mechanic), Ayomide Thompson, 24 (graphic designer), Ahmed Saliu, 37 (driver)

Babatunde Ahmed, 38 (driver) and Igbalaye Kareem, 38 (trader)

According to the state police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the tanker driver reported the hijacking shortly after it occurred near Alaka, Surulere. He claimed the tanker was fully loaded with PMS at the time.

Acting on credible intelligence, officers traced the stolen fuel to a filling station in Ejigbo, where they discovered that the contents had already been offloaded and were being transferred into another tanker. The seven suspects were apprehended at the scene.

Hundeyin said: “The prompt response and discreet investigation led to the discovery of the illicit operation at the Ejigbo filling station. The second tanker being loaded with the stolen PMS was recovered as evidence and moved to the police station.”

He added that the suspects are currently in custody and assisting with further investigations. Most of them reside in Ejigbo, Ijegun Ijedodo, and Ogun State.

Commending the operatives for their swift action, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

CP Jimoh also urged members of the public to continue providing timely information that would aid police efforts in ensuring the safety of all Lagosians.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” Hundeyin added.