The Isheri-Idimu community in Alimosho Local Government, Lagos State, is experiencing heightened fear after the discovery of a location where oil thieves have been illegally siphoning fuel from a pipeline. The Lagos State police have cordoned off the area and are currently monitoring it while awaiting officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The spot, located at the junction of Pipeline Road and Segun Irefin Road near the Jonathan Estate, Isheri-Idinu, has become a target for fuel theft under the cover of darkness. Last night, it was reported that around 1 am, oil thieves successfully filled three fuel tankers before alert residents notified the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), who swiftly responded.
Upon the arrival of the RRS team, the oil thieves, estimated to be more than 60 in number, scattered in all directions, abandoning an 11,000-liter fuel tanker that was yet to be filled. Several arrests were made during the operation.
Interestingly, the illegal bunkering spot is situated behind the Idimu Police Station, which failed to respond to earlier distress calls. Consequently, the residents had to seek assistance from the RRS.
During the oil theft operation, the entire area experienced a power outage as the electricity supply was intentionally cut off, which the residents found to be unusual and suspicious.
Sources revealed that this illegal bunkering activity had been ongoing for some time, as the same spot was used by oil thieves just ten days ago, prompting residents to be on high alert. On that occasion, the thieves successfully loaded three 33,000-liter tankers under the cover of darkness.
What makes this illegal bunkering activity particularly concerning is that it takes place on a road, rather than in a hidden location within the bush. The spot is situated in front of a row of shops that typically close for business before 10 pm.
Residents expressed their belief that these illegal activities have gone unnoticed for an extended period, as the thieves operate at night when most residents are asleep and the area is deserted.
The residents are urgently calling on officials from the NNPCL to seal the compromised pipeline to prevent the risk of a fire outbreak. Additionally, they are appealing to the authorities to repair Pipeline Road and the adjacent streets to deter further illegal bunkering and protect the integrity of the pipeline.