Buhari orders probe of security operatives for releasing 295 smuggled fuel tankers illegally

President Buhari has ordered the probe of some security operatives who released 295 smuggled fuel tankers at the land borders in December 2019, without due authorization.



President Buhari's spokesperson, Femi Adesina who confirmed the launch of the probe in a statement he released on Saturday February 29, accused the security operatives of sabotaging the effort of the federal government.



It is expected that security officials found guilty of conniving to undermine government’s effort, will be withdrawn from the border drill and severely sanctioned.



The statement reads in part;




“The border drill has been hugely successful and has led to the interception and seizure of large quantities of foods, materials, minerals and petroleum resources illegally trafficked across our borders. The President commends the security agencies for a job well done,” the statement read.

“He, however, finds it disheartening to learn that 295 smuggled petroleum tankers were released without due authorization on 17th December, 2019 by some security officials charged with the responsibility of protecting our borders.

“Sequel to this act, the National Security Adviser (NSA) was directed to set up a Board of Inquiry to investigate the crime, and it was recommended to the President that all officials (civilian or security operatives) found to have connived to undermine government’s efforts should be withdrawn from the border drill and severely sanctioned by their respective organizations.

“The President has accepted the recommendations and directed the immediate withdrawal and replacement of all those found culpable. He has also directed that their respective organizations should mete immediate appropriate disciplinary actions to them.”



Recall that after the closure of Nigeria's land borders in August 2019, the federal government directed that petroleum products should not be supplied to fuel stations within 20 kilometers of the borders.