The Nigeria Police Force Border Patrol Unit has announced a series of successful operations across multiple states, resulting in the interception of large amounts of smuggled petroleum products and the arrest of cross-border criminal suspects.
The crackdown on economic saboteurs yielded significant recoveries of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
In Taraba State, two trucks loaded with PMS were abandoned near Gembu by smugglers fleeing a police chase. Similarly, three motorcycles carrying 43 jerrycans of fuel were seized along a bush path leading to the Benin Republic.
Additional seizures included a Toyota Starlet conveying 60 jerrycans of PMS en route to Cameroon from Mubi, Adamawa State, and contraband fuel abandoned by a motorcyclist attempting to cross into the Niger Republic near Jibia, Katsina State.
The Police Unit also disrupted several criminal syndicates across different statesIn Illela, Sokoto State, operatives arrested a 48-year-old suspected trafficker and an accomplice for attempting to traffic a 25-year-old victim into the Niger Republic.
In Bachaka, four suspects, including two women, were intercepted while attempting to travel to Libya and Italy via the Niger Republic without valid documents. All the victims were successfully rescued and placed under protection.
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In Ikom, Cross River State, two individuals were arrested after being found with locally made pistols concealed in their vehicle.
In Ogun State, a pump-action rifle, ten live cartridges, and 20 wraps of cannabis were recovered after traffickers abandoned them in Imeko.
In Jibia, Katsina State, the Border Patrol recovered a Toyota Corolla suspected to have been stolen from the Niger Republic.
In Daura, another suspect was apprehended with a Toyota Carina loaded with cartons of illicit drugs, while a different suspect was arrested at the border for attempting to smuggle 26 suspected stolen Android phones into the Niger Republic.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, commended the Border Patrol personnel’s gallantry.
He affirmed that the force is dedicated to sustaining intelligence-led policing, strengthening synergy with other agencies and cross-border counterparts, and intensifying operations until all criminal networks are completely dismantled.
The coordinated operations affirm the police’s commitment to protecting the nation’s economy and security across border corridors.
