Force spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Saturday, said operatives on stop-and-search duties along the Illela–Sokoto Highway arrested one Yasir Adamu, who was found transporting 80 jerrycans of petrol.

“While on stop-and-search duty along Illela–Sokoto Highway, 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,” Hundeyin stated.

He added that in another operation in Katsina, the police seized 35 jerrycans of petrol, each measuring 25 litres

He said, “In a similar breakthrough, operatives of the unit intercepted and recovered thirty-five jerrycans, each containing twenty-five litres of PMS, which were about to be transported into the 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.”

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism.

“The officers have demonstrated the highest level of vigilance and professionalism, and I commend them. The Nigeria Police Force will sustain robust operations against all forms of economic crimes,” he said.

Hundeyin assured that the Force would continue to strengthen border security operations, noting that the latest interceptions underscored the Police’s determination to stop illegal fuel smuggling.

Fuel smuggling has been a recurring challenge for Nigeria since the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, particularly because of large price disparities between Nigeria and its neighbouring countries.

Petrol prices in Nigeria have risen above N900 per litre in many places, while neighbouring countries charge significantly more, creating profitable cross-border arbitrage.

The Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed ongoing smuggling operations despite subsidy removal, and has stepped up border patrols and anti-smuggling operations.