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 spokesperson for the agency, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed this on Tuesday in a statement.

Mr Abdulraheem said the task force conducted a sweeping operation on illegal fuel sales at Fadeyi, Maryland, Charity Bus Stop, and Airport Road, where the six suspects were arrested.

According to him, they were caught red-handed hawking petrol to motorists at exorbitant rates, thereby further exacerbating the already tense situation faced by many residents of Lagos.

He said the agency’s chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, led the operations, stressing that the current fuel scarcity was no excuse for miscreants to exploit the residents.

Mr Abdulraheem noted that the hawkers purchase large quantities of petrol in gallons and kegs to resell by the roadside.

“The arrested suspects’ practice not only burdens already struggling motorists but also poses significant safety risks due to the highly flammable 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 noted.

Mr Abdulraheem warned individuals or groups who connive with petrol stations to sell petroleum products to desist forthwith or risk being arrested.

He assured that the agency would continue to clamp down on illegal petroleum merchants.

The spokesperson said the suspects would be charged to court, and the seized petroleum products would be forfeited to the Lagos State government through the court.

(NAN)