NIGERIA: Police Intercept Over 100 Jerrycans of Petrol in Foiled Smuggling Attempt

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Border Patrol Unit have intercepted and recovered more than 100 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, in separate operations aimed at curbing cross-border smuggling.

The operation, which took place in Sokoto and Katsina states, was part of the Force’s intensified efforts to check the illegal movement of petroleum products out of the country.

According to a statement issued on Saturday, October 4, 2025, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the operatives, while on stop-and-search duty along the Illela–Sokoto Highway, intercepted a vehicle loaded with 80 jerrycans of PMS. The driver, identified as Yasir Adamu, was arrested on the spot.

The statement read: “After preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the suspect was attempting to smuggle the petroleum product across the border into the Niger Republic.”

In a related operation, the police also recorded another success in Katsina State, where operatives of the unit recovered thirty-five jerrycans, each containing twenty-five litres of PMS.

The statement said the suspects abandoned the products and fled upon sighting the police team.

Efforts are currently underway to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism during the operations. He reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustain robust actions against all forms of economic sabotage.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its resolve to curb economic crimes and protect the nation’s resources from illegal exploitation,” Egbetokun stated.

The police assured that investigations are ongoing and that all culprits involved in the smuggling network would be brought to justice.