Security agents who freed 295 petrol tankers smuggled into the country in trouble

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a crackdown on security agents who illegally released 295 petroleum tankers that were smuggled into the country through the nation’s borders.

This followed the recommendations of the National Security Adviser (NSA), who investigated the December 17, 2019 incident after the president had authorised a probe.

A statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina, which disclosed these, expressed regret that the tankers were illegally released by some of the security agents detailed to check smuggling activities at the borders.

The statement said the president had accepted the recommendations of the NSA and had directed that those involved should be immediately withdrawn from the borders and punished by their units.

The statement read: “As part of the Federal Government’s effort to ensure food security and improve local production of goods at competitive prices, President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned ‘OperatIon Swift Response’ as a border drill exercise to checkmate the illegal activities of smugglers across our borders.

“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.

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

“Sequel to this act, the 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that all officials (civilian or security operatives) found to have connived to undermine government’s efforts should be withdrawn from the border drill and severely sanctioned by their respective organisations.”