*Border Patrol recovers arms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, illicit drugs in intensified crackdown
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Border Patrol Unit has struck a major blow against smugglers, traffickers, and cross-border criminals, intercepting large consignments of petroleum products, recovering arms and illicit drugs, and rescuing victims of human trafficking across several states.
In Taraba State, operatives at the Gembu border point forced smugglers to abandon two trucks loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) after a hot chase. Along another route linking Nigeria and Benin Republic, three motorcycles ferrying 43 jerrycans of PMS were seized, while in Mubi, Adamawa State, a Toyota Starlet conveying 60 jerrycans of PMS bound for Cameroon was impounded. In Katsina’s Jibia area, another smuggler ditched his PMS consignment and fled on sighting patrol teams.
The Border Patrol also struck at armed criminals. At Ikom, Cross River State, two suspects were caught with locally made pistols hidden in their vehicle. In Imeko, Ogun State, a pump-action rifle with ten live cartridges and 20 wraps of cannabis was recovered.
In a major breakthrough against human trafficking syndicates, operatives in Illela, Sokoto State, arrested a 48-year-old trafficker and his accomplice while attempting to traffic a 25-year-old victim into Niger Republic. In Bachaka, four suspects, including two women, were intercepted en route to Libya and Italy without valid travel documents. The victims were swiftly rescued and placed under protective custody.
The operations further uncovered smuggled and stolen vehicles. A blue Toyota Corolla suspected to have been stolen in Niger Republic was recovered in Jibia, while in Daura, another suspect was caught with a Toyota Carina stuffed with cartons of illicit drugs. Still in Daura, operatives arrested a man found with 26 suspected stolen Android phones. In Oyo State, a smuggled Nissan Micra was recovered.
Police also dismantled a notorious cross-border burglary network in Adamawa State, arresting a prime suspect involved in motorcycle thefts and serial shop break-ins.
“These coordinated operations demonstrate the unflinching commitment of the Nigeria Police to safeguarding national security, protecting the economy, and ensuring the safety of Nigerians,” said Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the gallantry of the Border Patrol personnel, assuring Nigerians that the Force will not relent.
“We will sustain intelligence-led policing, strengthen inter-agency and cross-border synergy, and intensify operations until all criminal networks are fully dismantled,” the IGP declared.