Police Intercept $\text{103}$ Jerrycans of Smuggled Petrol, Smash Human Trafficking Ring

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dealt a major blow to cross-border economic saboteurs and criminal networks, announcing the interception of about $\text{103}$ jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), along with the dismantling of a human trafficking ring and the recovery of arms across several border states.

In a statement released on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the NPF confirmed that the seizures were part of a coordinated, sustained nationwide crackdown. The petrol, which was destined for Cameroon and the Benin Republic, was intercepted in two separate incidents: $\text{60}$ jerrycans were recovered from a Toyota Starlet in Mubi, Adamawa State, while $\text{43}$ jerrycans were seized from three motorcycles along a remote bush path linking Nigeria with the Benin Republic. Furthermore, two fuel-laden trucks were recovered in Taraba State after smugglers abandoned them during a hot pursuit, and more PMS was abandoned by a smuggler on the way to the Niger Republic in Jibia, Katsina State.

The multi-faceted operation extended far beyond economic sabotage, disrupting major criminal enterprises. In the fight against arms proliferation, two suspects were arrested with carefully concealed locally-made pistols in Ikom, Cross River State, while a pump-action rifle and twenty wraps of cannabis were recovered in Imeko, Ogun State.

Highlighting the success against human trafficking, the Force disclosed the arrest of a $\text{48}$-year-old suspected trafficker and an accomplice in Illela, Sokoto State, while attempting to traffic a $\text{25}$-year-old victim into the Niger Republic. A separate operation in Bachaka saw the interception of four suspects, including two females, who were en route to Libya and Italy via the Niger Republic without valid travel documents. The $\text{6}$ victims in both cases were promptly rescued and placed under protective custody.

The police FPRO concluded that the success of these coordinated operations underscores the NPF’s unflinching devotion to safeguarding national security, protecting the national economy, and ensuring the safety of Nigerians across all border corridors.