The Lagos State Taskforce has seized over 2,000 litres of petroleum products along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway area of Lagos.
This followed the dismantling of shanties and clearing the area of vendors selling goods by the roadside by the operatives of the agency.
According to the agency, the stretch of road along the expressway, in recent months, has been plagued by illegal roadside activities that have contributed to heavy traffic congestion, alarming rise in traffic-related robberies, and an overall degradation of the environment.
It explained that the spread of shanties has not only affected free flow of traffic on the route, but has also become a breeding ground for criminal activities, putting the lives and properties of motorists and commuters at risk.
“Among the most pressing issues addressed was the illegal sale of petrol and diesel by the roadside where over 2000 litres of petroleum products were seized.
“This is a highly dangerous practice that poses a significant risk of fire hazards and explosions. We will ensure that such activities that endanger the lives of these illegal merchants and other road users are brought to a complete halt,” Chairman of the agency, Adetayo Akerele, was quoted as saying in a statement by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Ditector, Press and Public Affairs, on Tuesday.
Akerele assured that the Lagos State Taskforce remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents of the state, adding that the operation along the Mile 2 axis was a testament to that commitment
“We will continue to monitor the area to prevent the resurgence of illegal activities and to ensure that the roads remain clear for safe and smooth transportation,” he said.
Akerele disclosed that four suspects were arrested, in addition to several other items confiscated during the raid.
The arrested suspects, he said, would be charged to court, stressing that items confiscated would be forfeitted to the state government through the court.
The agency urged residents and business owners in the Mile 2 area to cooperate with the authorities and adhere to the Environmental laws of the Lagos State Government in order to maintain the safety and serenity that has been recorded overtime.