Police arrest suspected suppliers of fuel to Niger bandits

The suspects

Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have arrested a 51-year-old man, Umar Muhammed, suspected to be one of the fuel suppliers to bandits in the state.

Muhammed was arrested alongside 35-year-old Adamu Atiku who is a fuel attendant at Muhabbat filling station in Bosso Estate, Minna.

The duo, according to the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Monday Kuryas, were arrested with 10 jerrycans of 25 litres filled with fuel and a tricycle.

The first suspect, Mohammed, confessed that they were caught while trying to convey the fuel to Gussassi village in Maikunkele area of Bosso Local Government.

He explained that they sell the petroleum product to motorcycle operators in Gussassi village and its environs.

The commissioner however disclosed that the suspects were arrested on a tip-off over their activities in the area.

“The amount of fuel they brought was contrary to the Niger State Executive Order, which banned the sale of petroleum products in large quantities in jerry cans or other containers at filling stations across the state.

“Investigation is ongoing to know exactly who they deliver the fuel to,” Kuryas said; adding that the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as the investigation is concluded.

The PC assured the people of the state that the Police would continue to work towards ensuring the safety and protection of the people.