The Nigeria Police Force has intercepted 103 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) allegedly being smuggled into Cameroon and the Benin Republic.

In a statement on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb economic sabotage and cross-border criminal activities across several states.

According to him, 60 jerrycans concealed in a Toyota Starlet heading to Cameroon were intercepted by border patrol operatives in Mubi, Adamawa State. Another 43 jerrycans transported on three motorcycles were seized along a bush path linking Nigeria to the Benin Republic.

Two fuel-laden trucks were also recovered in Gembu, Taraba State, after smugglers abandoned them during a hot chase. In a separate incident at Jibia, Katsina State, a motorcyclist smuggling petrol into the Niger Republic abandoned his load upon sighting police patrols.

Hundeyin said the operations also extended to tackling armed crime. At Ikom in Cross River State, two suspects were arrested with locally made pistols hidden in their vehicle, while operatives in Imeko, Ogun State, recovered a pump-action rifle, ten live cartridges, and 20 wraps of cannabis abandoned by traffickers.

The crackdown further disrupted human trafficking networks. In Illela, Sokoto State, police arrested a 48-year-old suspected trafficker and an accomplice while attempting to move a 25-year-old victim into the Niger Republic. Similarly, in Bachaka, four suspects, including two women, were intercepted en route to Libya and Italy through Niger without valid travel documents. The victims were rescued and placed under protective custody.

Recovered stolen and smuggled vehicles were also highlighted. At Jibia, Katsina State, officers recovered a blue Toyota Corolla suspected to have been stolen in the Niger Republic. In Daura, another suspect was caught with a Toyota Carina loaded with cartons of illicit drugs. A Nissan Micra smuggled from the Benin Republic was seized in Oyo State, while in Daura, another arrest was made involving a suspect carrying 26 suspected stolen Android phones across the border.

In Adamawa, police apprehended a notorious trans-border burglar known for motorcycle theft and shop break-ins, further disrupting criminal networks.

Hundeyin emphasized that the coordinated operations demonstrate the Force’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and security.

“These efforts underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to protecting national security, preserving the economy, and ensuring the safety of citizens along border corridors,” he stated.