Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Border Patrol Unit have intercepted and recovered more than 100 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, allegedly being smuggled out of the country through Nigeria’s northern borders.
The interception was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who said the operation was part of intensified efforts to curb the illegal export of petroleum products.
According to Hundeyin, officers on stop-and-search duty along the Illela–Sokoto Highway apprehended a vehicle loaded with 80 jerrycans of PMS and arrested the driver, identified as Yasir Adamu.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was attempting to smuggle the product across the border into the Niger Republic, he said.
In a separate operation, officers of the unit in Katsina State intercepted another 35 jerrycans, each containing 25 litres of PMS, also believed to be destined for the Niger Republic.
“The suspects, on sighting the team, abandoned the exhibits and fled,” the statement read.
Hundeyin added that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects to face prosecution.
He also quoted the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, as commending the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, assuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to sustaining robust operations against economic sabotage and other forms of criminal activity.
“The IGP reiterates the commitment of the Force to maintain nationwide vigilance and prevent the illegal movement of strategic commodities across borders,” Hundeyin stated.
