LAGESC Dismantles Illegal Oil Bunkering Depot, Arrests 27 Suspects in Lekki

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos

The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI, has dismantled an illegal oil bunkering enclave and arrested 27 suspects found with fake naira notes during an enforcement operation at The Rock Drive in Lekki Phase 1.

Corps Marshal Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd) confirmed the development on Wednesday while briefing the media at the Agency’s headquarters in Bolade-Oshodi. He revealed that intelligence reports led operatives to the unlicensed depot where petroleum products were stored, adulterated, and distributed illegally.

“We discovered how the activities of an unlicensed oil depot impacted the environment negatively, constituting threats to public health and safety. The location also provided cover for miscreants transacting with fake naira notes at night to unsuspecting vendors and residents,” Cole said.

He disclosed that the special squad recovered makeshift storage facilities, drums, and jerry cans filled with adulterated diesel products, warning that the operation posed high risks of fire outbreaks, soil contamination, and hazards to nearby homes and businesses.

The premises were secured while the supply connections were dismantled in line with environmental regulations. Twenty-seven suspects operating within the compound were arrested for illegal activities and possession of fake currency.

Cole reiterated the commitment of the agency to sustaining enforcement actions and curbing environmental infractions statewide in line with the THEMES+ development agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He also appealed to residents to prioritise safety by making use of pedestrian bridges across the state to prevent avoidable road accidents.