The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Task Force on pipeline vandalism yesterday uncovered an illegal fuel depot used by vandals in Lagos.
Acting on a tip off, the Taskforce headed by Valentine Olumese, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) stormed a building located at kml 1, LASU Road, Isheri, Iyana-Odo Bus Stop at about 2:00am and discovered a well with fuel inside.
Also found in the premises were several 50 litre kegs loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which the vandals reportedly abandoned while fleeing from security operatives.
Security sources claimed that the building, which is located less than 100 metres from the pipeline, was constructed solely with intent to steal petroleum products.
They claimed that well was constructed with connecting underground pipes to the pipeline, providing a conduit for the vandals whenever the valves were opened.
According to them, the vandals who usually move out the filled tanks through the perimeter fence, also connected hoses to tankers which they load without obstruction.
They claimed the vandals make between N9million and N12 million each night they operated in the area, accusing all the residents around the community of feigning ignorance.
Meanwhile, the owner of the property, Mrs. Florence Olayinka Ayinde, who sells beverages in the shops outside the compound, said some officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) came there to siphon fuel.
She was nabbed along the Community Development Association (CDA) Chairman, Rotimi Olayisoye, who said he only gave her a lift because he was passing her route.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.
