Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Border Patrol Unit have intercepted and recovered over one hundred jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, in separate operations aimed at curbing cross-border smuggling activities.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ben Hundeyin, the first interception occurred along the Illela–Sokoto Highway, where officers conducting a stop-and-search operation apprehended a vehicle loaded with eighty jerrycans of petrol.
The driver, identified as Yasir Adamu, was arrested after preliminary investigations revealed that he was attempting to smuggle the fuel across the border into Niger Republic.
In a related operation, officers of the same unit in Katsina State intercepted thirty-five jerrycans of PMS, each containing twenty-five litres, also suspected to be destined for smuggling across the border. However, the suspects abandoned the exhibits and fled upon sighting the police operatives.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure they face the full weight of the law,” Hundeyin stated.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers involved for their vigilance and professionalism, noting that such acts of economic sabotage have far-reaching implications for national security and economic stability.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to sustaining robust operations against all forms of economic crimes, particularly smuggling and diversion of petroleum products,” Hundeyin added.
The Force, he emphasized, will continue to intensify intelligence-led border operations in collaboration with other security agencies to protect the nation’s economic interests and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
