The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on Sunday in Maiduguri said it would auction 44 jerry-cans containing1320 litres of petrol seized from black market operators in Bornu State.

Malam Ali Zoaka, the Zonal Controller of DPR, who disclosed this, said that the seized items were handed over by officials of Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Maiduguri.

Zoaka said that the items were seized at various filling stations in the state capital by men of the NSCDC.

“We have decided to auction the commodities to members of the public, while the money would be remitted to the Federal Government account.

“We have stepped up our surveillance on filling stations in the metropolis to ensure compliance and selling of all petroleum products at government approved pump prices.”

Speaking, earlier Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, the state Commandant of NSCDC, said the command also intercepted a tanker laden with 44, 000 litres of petrol for product diversion.

“The tanker driver was intercepted when he tried diverting the product meant for Maiduguri to Damaturu by men of the command.

“Our men swung to action following a tip off from patriotic citizens of the activities of the unscrupulous elements who were contributing to woes of motorists in the state.

“These elements are always sabotaging efforts of the Federal Government in making the product available to consumers.

“Our men will always ensure vigilance, we enjoin members of the public to provide useful information to the command in situation like this for prompt action.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Petroleum Minister of State Ibe Kachikwu.