The Nigeria Police Force has intercepted and recovered more than 100 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, in two separate anti-smuggling operations aimed at halting the illegal transportation of fuel across Nigeria’s border with Niger Republic.
According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the interception was carried out by operatives of the Border Patrol Unit while on stop-and-search duty along the Illela–Sokoto Highway.
The statement reads partly: “Operatives of the unit intercepted a vehicle loaded with eighty jerrycans of 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 police spokesperson further disclosed that another breakthrough was recorded in Katsina where thirty-five jerrycans, each containing twenty-five litres of petrol, were recovered.
“The suspects, on sighting the team, abandoned the exhibits and fled. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice,” the statement added.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers for what he described as “vigilance and professionalism,” assuring that the force will sustain robust operations against all forms of economic crimes threatening national stability.
The seizures come amid growing government efforts to curb fuel diversion and cross-border racketeering, which have been blamed for artificial scarcity and revenue losses.
Security agencies have intensified surveillance on Nigeria’s borders to block illegal fuel movement, with smugglers increasingly targeting routes in Sokoto and Katsina.