Sanwo-Olu advocates clampdown on oil theft, pipeline vandalism

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sought a fresh incentive into the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism nationwide.

Consequently, he challenged security agencies to deal decisively with the economic crimes and their perpetrators.

He said it was in line with this that Lagos was adopting a new security measure to tighten the noose on criminals engaging in pipeline vandalism and kidnapping.

During a closed-door meeting with commanders of security agencies to review strategy for safeness of Lagosians in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu submitted that there would be a renewed assault against oil thieves and pipeline vandals.

The new measure, the governor said, would lead to demolition of some residential buildings and structures close to oil pipes to protect the lives of innocent residents.

His words: “We just finished our regular security meeting and I am reiterating our assurance to residents that all security operatives in the state are well motivated to ensure security of lives and property. We have reviewed the current the security situation in the state. This has helped us to further re-energise our strategy that will make our state safe and secure for lives and businesses.

“There are other strategies that will be coming up, but we have formulated our strategy in the areas of priority that we need to tackle. We are getting reports of possible threats around our waterways and government’s assets across the state. We are ready to tackle these security challenges and all logistics will be put in place as required.

“Another priority is the incident around pipeline vandalism which unfortunately brought us down last month. It was extensively discussed, and we resolved among ourselves that we would stop at nothing. We will do everything possible, including engaging the community to give our people’s assurances.”

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that an aerial security surveillance on communities hosting the oil pipelines revealed connivance between vandals and dwellers in the areas.