Authorities of the Bayelsa Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday confirmed the arrest of eight persons in the state over their alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering and selling of adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).

According to the command, the eight suspects were arrested in two separate operations in the Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa areas of the state.

While some suspects were arrested on Yenagoa-Mbiama Road while discharging adulterated petrol at Lion Filling Station, the others were arrested at the Otuegwe community in Yenagoa while being involved in illegal bunkering activities, with over 33 jerry cans, a motorcycle, long hoses and three wheelbarrows seized.

Briefing journalists yesterday at the NSCDC Command in Yenagoa during the parade of the eight suspects, the state commandant, Desmond Agu, said the suspects were arrested on November 7.

Agu said, “Four persons were arrested on November 7 at Lion Fuel Station on Yenagoa-Mbiama Road where 25 drums containing adulterated petrol were being discharged.

“The petrol was siphoned from the Nigerian Agip Oil Company’s pipeline at Taylor Creek in Zuzuama in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa. The other four persons were caught at Otuegwe community in Bayelsa. They were involved in illegal bunkering activities. 33 jerry cans, a motorcycle, long hoses and three wheelbarrows were recovered.”

The commandant said in addition to the arrests, over 16,000 litres of Automated Gas Oil (diesel) were impounded in Yenagoa. He, however, said the suspects were yet to be apprehended, noting that his operatives had intensified efforts to arrest those behind the illegal deal.