Authorities in southwest Nigeria’s Oyo State have dismantled an illegal diesel operation along a major highway, arresting 16 individuals and seizing contraband fuel in a renewed push to tackle crime linked to unauthorized roadside activities. The crackdown, led by a government task force, underscores efforts to improve security on critical transport routes amid concerns over adulterated fuel sales and their potential ties to broader criminal networks.
The operation targeted makeshift stalls and shanties near the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a vital economic corridor connecting Nigeria’s commercial hub to other regions. Officials recovered four large drums and 17 containers of diesel during raids along the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, close to Guru Maharaj Ji village. Sunday Odukoya, the governor’s security adviser and task force leader, stated the suspects had repeatedly ignored warnings to cease operations, contributing to hazards for motorists and creating environments “where criminal activities thrive.”
“These illegal vendors not only compromise road safety but may also be facilitating crimes on the highway,” Odukoya told reporters at the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA) headquarters. He emphasized that the seized diesel was suspected of being tampered with, though a suspect detained in the operation disputed this claim.
The arrests followed months of monitoring the area, where authorities linked frequent criminal incidents—including theft and harassment of travelers—to the presence of unregulated vendors. “We’ve given ample time for compliance,” Odukoya said, adding that the 15 men and one woman apprehended would face immediate prosecution through a specialized mobile court. The task force vowed to continue raids until the highway is “cleared of all illegal activities.”
One suspect, speaking anonymously, admitted to sourcing diesel from truck drivers and reselling it to local businesses and motorists for six years, but denied adulterating the product. “We only buy and sell. No mixing,” he said, claiming no formal eviction notices were issued prior to the crackdown.
The operation aligns with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s broader campaign to reclaim public spaces and reduce crime. Recent weeks have seen similar enforcement actions, including the prevention of a potential fuel tanker fire in Ibadan, underscoring safety risks associated with unregulated roadside commerce. Analysts note that black market fuel sales, often tied to theft from pipelines or tankers, remain a persistent challenge across Nigeria, contributing to environmental damage, tax evasion, and security threats.
As Nigeria grapples with fluctuating fuel prices and supply gaps, authorities stress that tighter oversight of distribution networks is critical. The Oyo task force’s latest move signals a hardening stance against informal fuel markets, though questions linger about sustainable alternatives for those dependent on such trade.
