POLICE FOIL CROSS-BORDER SMUGGLING OF PETROL; INTERCEPT OVER 100 JERRYCANS

opeolumartinOctober 5, 2025October 5, 202502 mins

Sokoto, Nigeria | October 5, 2025

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully disrupted a major cross-border smuggling attempt involving over 100 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, in a decisive operation targeting economic sabotage.

According to a statement from the Force Headquarters, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Border Patrol Unit who were conducting routine stop-and-search duties along the Illela–Sokoto Highway. During the exercise, the officers intercepted a vehicle carrying eighty jerrycans of PMS. The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the intercepted fuel was being transported with the intention of smuggling it across the Nigerian border into Niger Republic.
In a related development, police operatives in Katsina State recovered an additional thirty-five jerrycans of PMS (25 litres each). The suspects involved in this operation reportedly abandoned the fuel and fled upon sighting the security personnel. Authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing individuals.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, lauded the efforts of the Border Patrol officers, commending their vigilance and professionalism. He reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intensifying efforts against economic sabotage, particularly fuel smuggling, which undermines national revenue and security.

“The Force will continue to deploy proactive strategies and intelligence-driven operations to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and critical assets,” the IGP stated.
The police urged the public to support law enforcement by providing timely and credible information to assist in the fight against cross-border crimes and economic sabotage.