President Muhammadu Buhari says he is disheartened by the unauthorised release of 295 tankers of smuggled petroleum products by security officials at the land borders.
Nigeria’s land borders have been closed since August 2019 to checkmate smuggling of arms and food items.
After the closure, the federal government directed that petroleum products should not be supplied to fuel stations within 20 kilometers of the borders.
But in a statement on Saturday, Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, said while the operation has been relatively successful, some security officials have been sabotaging the government’s efforts.
He explained that some of the officials meant to protect the borders released, without due authorisation, 295 tankers laden with smuggled petroleum products.
“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that all officials (civilian or security operatives) found to have connived to undermine government’s efforts should be withdrawn from the border drill and severely sanctioned by their respective organizations.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.”