The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recovered 43 jerrycans of petroleum products from suspects selling above the approved pump price of 145 Naira per litre.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said in a statement that the command is clamping down on petrol stations within Maiduguri metropolis, unlawfully selling petroleum products in jerrycans and above the pump price.
He said the suspects took to their heels on sighting officials of the NSCDC who were on routine patrol.
The Commandant explained that the raid was to ensure compliance with controlled prices, and to avoid the possibility of getting the products to the bush where Boko Haram terrorists operate.
“Some fuel attendants and managers found liable were arrested to serve as deterrent to other unscrupulous elements and criminally minded individuals,” Mr Abdullahi stated.
He said investigation into the matter is ongoing while the seized products would be handed over to the Department of Petroleum Resources.
The NSCDC said the move has compelled erring marketers to write letters of undertaking, promising to revert to the official petrol pump price.
It was gathered that with the artificial scarcity of the product, desperate motorists have been forced to buy the product at 165 Naira per litre.