By Ndubuisi Michaels
As Nigerians continue to pay more for fuel, a cartel that specialises in the smuggling of several thousands of litres of the product daily from Ijofin community in Ogun State to Benin Republic has been exposed.
The act, which has been on for years, investigation revealed, is an organized crime allegedly involving some prominent members of the community and some law enforcement agents deployed in the area.
metrowatchonline.com gathered that the smuggling is carried out through several means, especially via motor cycles.
Investigation further reveal that on each trip, a rider takes as much as 15 kegs of 30 litres of petrol each on every trip.
This amounts to 450 litres by trip.
Ann eye witness told metrowatchonline.com on condition of anonymity that: “Petrol is being taken daily from Nigeria and smuggled out without appropriate checks by the relevant security agencies.”
He further said: “Several times, uniform officers of relevant security service detailed to check such act, take share from this criminal act and allow free flow of fuel out of Nigeria to neighbouring Benin Republic.
“This act has been on unchecked for a long time and it’s been sabotaging the economic viability of the country.
“This is the dastard act going on around Ijofin area of Ogun State.
These nefarious act has been going on for ages and it’s been an act of national disgrace and impunity
“This act of national disgrace is on going even as I talk to you because the powers that be in the town have been subverting the efforts of Nigeria Immigration Service. Even, making it at a point, that, it’s only customs that can check them.”
