Police Strike at Border: Trafficking Victims Rescued

The Nigeria Police Force says its Border Patrol Unit has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against smugglers, traffickers, and cross-border criminal gangs.

Force spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Friday, disclosed that the nationwide clampdown led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, petroleum products, stolen vehicles, illicit drugs, and the rescue of trafficking victims.

In Gembu, Taraba State, two trucks loaded with petrol were abandoned by smugglers after a high-speed chase. Similarly, near Nigeria’s border with Benin Republic, three motorcycles carrying 43 jerrycans of petrol were seized. Other interceptions included a Toyota Starlet with 60 jerrycans of petrol headed for Cameroon in Mubi, Adamawa State, and a fuel consignment abandoned in Jibia, Katsina State, by a motorcyclist attempting to cross into Niger Republic.

On arms recovery, two suspects were arrested in Ikom, Cross River State, with locally made pistols hidden inside their vehicle, while operatives in Imeko, Ogun State, recovered a pump-action rifle, 10 live cartridges, and 20 wraps of cannabis abandoned by traffickers.

The police also recorded successes in tackling human trafficking. At Illela, Sokoto State, a 48-year-old suspected trafficker and an accomplice were arrested while attempting to traffic a 25-year-old woman into Niger Republic. In Bachaka, four individuals, including two women, were intercepted en route to Libya and Italy without valid documents. The victims were rescued and placed under protection.

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Stolen and smuggled vehicles were also intercepted. In Jibia, Katsina State, police recovered a Toyota Corolla believed to have been stolen in Niger Republic. In Daura, a Toyota Carina packed with illicit drugs was seized, while another suspect was caught with 26 stolen Android phones. Additionally, in Mubi, officers apprehended a notorious burglar linked to motorcycle theft and serial shop break-ins.

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Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun commended the officers for their “gallantry,” pledging that the Force will continue deploying intelligence-led policing and strengthen cross-border collaboration until criminal networks are dismantled.