Fatimah Otunsanya
Two suspected fuel suppliers believed to be supporting bandits in neighbouring Bauchi State have been arrested in Gombe State.
This was according to a post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama on Thursday.
The suspects were apprehended on Wednesday at about 4:30 a.m. during a stop-and-search operation along the Kashere-Futuk Road in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
“The operation followed intelligence reports indicating that bandits terrorising parts of Bauchi were sourcing fuel from Gombe,” Makama wrote.
“Security operatives intercepted a red-tinted Golf 3 vehicle with registration number GME 221 XA, loaded with 29 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
“The vehicle’s driver, 20-year-old Aliyu Usman from Futuk Village in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi, reportedly fled the scene and escaped,” he wrote.
Two passengers, identified as Bello Abdullahi, 52, and Sulaiman Musa, 40, also from Futuk Village, were arrested at the scene.
The suspects claimed the fuel had been purchased in Billiri, Gombe State.
The police impounded the vehicle and the 29 jerrycans of fuel as exhibits, while investigations continue to determine the suspects’ involvement in supplying fuel to criminal elements.
Efforts are also underway to apprehend the fleeing driver and uncover other members of the suspected supply network.
