POLICE FOIL FUEL SMUGGLING ATTEMPT, INTERCEPT OVER 100 JERRYCANS OF PETROL
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The Nigeria Police Force says its Border Patrol Unit has intercepted over 100 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, during separate operations aimed at tackling cross-border smuggling.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that operatives arrested one suspect and recovered dozens of jerrycans in the Illela–Sokoto and Katsina areas.
“While on stop-and-search duty along Illela–Sokoto Highway, operatives of the unit intercepted a vehicle loaded with eighty jerrycans of PMS and arrested the driver, Yasir Adamu,” Hundeyin said.
He added, “After preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the suspect was attempting to smuggle the petroleum product across the border into the Niger Republic.”
Hundeyin further revealed that in another operation in Katsina State, police operatives seized thirty-five jerrycans, each containing twenty-five litres of petrol.
“In a similar breakthrough, operatives of the unit intercepted and recovered thirty-five jerrycans, each containing twenty-five litres of PMS, which were about to be transported into the 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,” he stated.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism, saying: “The officers have demonstrated the highest level of vigilance and professionalism, and I commend them. The Nigeria Police Force will sustain robust operations against all forms of economic crimes.”
Hundeyin assured that the Force would continue to strengthen border security operations, stressing that the latest interceptions reflect the Police’s renewed determination to curb illegal fuel smuggling.
Fuel smuggling remains a persistent challenge for Nigeria following the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, as large price disparities between Nigeria and neighbouring countries continue to drive the illegal trade.
Petrol prices in Nigeria currently exceed ₦900 per litre in many locations, while neighbouring nations sell at much higher rates, creating lucrative incentives for smugglers.
The Nigeria Customs Service has also confirmed ongoing anti-smuggling efforts, intensifying joint patrols with other security agencies to curb the illicit movement of fuel across borders.
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