Photo: Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has intensified its clampdown on cross-border criminal activities, intercepting smuggled fuel, firearms, drugs, stolen vehicles, and rescuing human trafficking victims in a series of coordinated operations across border states.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Friday, said the operations underscore the NPF’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and security.
According to Hundeyin, about 103 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were seized while being smuggled into Cameroon and the Benin Republic. He explained that 60 jerrycans hidden in a Toyota Starlet were intercepted in Mubi, Adamawa State, while another 43 jerrycans ferried on three motorcycles were confiscated along a bush path linking Nigeria with Benin. Two fuel-laden trucks were also recovered at Gembu in Taraba State after smugglers abandoned them during a hot pursuit.
In Katsina State, a motorcyclist smuggling fuel into the Niger Republic fled, leaving behind his consignment.
Beyond fuel smuggling, police operatives also targeted armed criminals. At Ikom, Cross River State, two suspects were arrested with locally made pistols concealed in their vehicle, while in Imeko, Ogun State, a pump-action rifle with 10 live cartridges and 20 wraps of cannabis was recovered from fleeing traffickers.
The operations also disrupted human trafficking rings. At Illela, Sokoto State, a 48-year-old suspected trafficker and an accomplice were arrested while attempting to move a 25-year-old victim across the border. Similarly, in Bachaka, Kebbi State, four suspects, including two women, were intercepted en route to Libya and Italy through the Niger Republic without valid documents. The victims were rescued and placed under protective custody.
Police operatives further recovered stolen and smuggled vehicles. A Toyota Corolla suspected to have been stolen in the Niger Republic was seized at Jibia, Katsina State, while in Daura, a Toyota Carina loaded with cartons of illicit drugs was intercepted. In Oyo State, a Nissan Micra smuggled from the Benin Republic was also recovered, while in another Daura operation, a suspect was arrested with 26 stolen Android phones while attempting to cross into Niger.
Hundeyin added that in Adamawa State, a notorious cross-border burglar known for motorcycle theft and serial shop break-ins was apprehended, further weakening criminal supply chains.
“These coordinated operations attest to the unflinching devotion of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding national security, protecting the economy, and ensuring the safety of Nigerians across all border corridors,” the police spokesperson said.
