Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Border Patrol Unit have successfully intercepted and recovered over 100 jerry cans of petrol being illegally transported to Niger Republic through Sokoto and Katsina States, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed on Saturday.
According to the statement, police operatives on stop-and-search duty along the Illela–Sokoto Highway intercepted a vehicle loaded with 80 jerry cans of petrol (PMS) and arrested the driver, Yasir Adamu.
“After preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the suspect was attempting to smuggle the petroleum product across the border into the Niger Republic,” the statement said.
In a separate operation in Katsina, operatives of the Border Patrol Unit intercepted and recovered 35 jerry cans, each containing 25 litres of petrol, which were also destined for illegal transport into Niger Republic.
“The suspects, on sighting the team, abandoned the exhibits and fled. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice,” CSP Hundeyin added.
The operations underscore the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to curbing cross-border smuggling and ensuring compliance with national petroleum regulations.