Police smash petrol smuggling syndicate in Sokoto, Katsina

By Ayox Ojo

Operatives of 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.

CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer revealed this in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement, police operatives while on stop-and-search duty along Illela–Sokoto Highway 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 statement indicated.

The statement also indicated that operatives of the Border Patrol unit in Katsina intercepted and recovered thirty-five Jerry cans, each containing twenty-five litres of petrol which were about to be transported 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,” said Hundeyin.

The statement also quoted the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun as commending the officers who intercepted the Jerry cans of petrol for their vigilance and professionalism.

The IGP also reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustain robust operations against all forms of economic crimes.