The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase has ordered the arrest of persons caught buying or selling petroleum products inside plastic containers.
The order which was issued on Monday in Abuja became necessary following the untold suffering and hazards resulting from the activities of black marketers.
The IGP while issuing the order to all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and FCT/State Commands Commissioners of Police noted that apart from the hardship the act has caused to fuel buyers, it has also rendered many homeless due to fire outbreaks caused by fuel stored in jerry-cans.
He noted that petroleum products such as petrol are highly flammable adding that if not properly stored and handled could cause loss of lives and properties. He also warned fuel attendants at filling stations to desist from selling petrol inside jerry cans and plastic containers.