The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday has sealed off at least 20 illegal fuel stations and had 18 persons arrested for illegal operation.

Jerome Agada, Operations Controller of the DPR Jos field office, acknowledged that some of the retail outlets visited by the officials of the DPR did not have the required permit to operate.

While some do not conform to technical and electrical specifications required as well as structural construction for the operation of such facilities.

Meanwhile, 18 persons were also arrested for operating the various illegal retail outlets.

Agada said that the exercise was part of measures to ensure lucidity in the petroleum retail outlet business as well as ensure that operators comply with rules and regulations in providing efficient services to the general public.