Police Arrest Tanker Drivers, Four Buyers Over Alleged Fuel Diversion Along Kainji Road

By: Zagazola Makama 

The Police in Niger State have arrested several suspects, including tanker drivers and buyers, in connection with alleged diversion and siphoning of petroleum products along Kainji Road.

Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 2:50 p.m. on June 8 following credible intelligence that some tanker drivers were siphoning Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into a hijacked vehicle suspected to be linked to criminal elements.

Acting on the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilised and led a team of officers to the scene where the suspected activities were intercepted.

According to the report, a hijacked vehicle loaded with six drums of PMS and driven by one Umar Usman was intercepted during the operation.

Two tanker trucks with registration numbers KMC 116 YS and KMC 104 YS, belonging to Maikifi Petroleum and Gas and driven by Baffa Halidu and Ayuba Wakili respectively, were also found allegedly discharging fuel into jerry cans at the scene.

Police further stated that another driver was intercepted while attempting to discharge PMS into a standby hijacked vehicle.

The drivers of the tankers and the hijacked vehicles were immediately arrested.

In addition, four suspected buyers identified as Umar Abubakar, Isa Shehu, Mica Aliyu and Saidu Adamu were also taken into custody.

The hijacked vehicles were recovered and taken to the police station for safekeeping, while armed guards were deployed to secure the trucks due to the sensitive nature of the exhibits.

Preliminary findings indicated that the final destinations of the diverted petroleum products were Kano and Abuja, as reflected in the waybills.

Police authorities said investigation is ongoing to unravel the full network behind the alleged diversion and possible criminal linkages.