The Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspects allegedly involved in the illegal sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), believed to be linked to bandit activities in the state.

Parading the exhibits on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the State Commandant, Sani Mustapha, said the operation was carried out on September 5 along the Talata-Mafara–Jangebe axis following credible intelligence.

He disclosed that a Volkswagen Golf car driven by 40-year-old Abbas Umar was intercepted with 42 jerrycans and three gallons of petrol, amounting to 1,260 litres of PMS. The products, valued at ₦1,171,800, were reportedly purchased from a filling station in Maradun Local Government Area at ₦930 per litre.

The divisional office in Talata-Mafara, which effected the arrest, later transferred the case to the State Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.

Mustapha explained that preliminary investigations revealed the involvement of four others: Aliyu Muhammad (36), a filling station manager; Tukur Wambai (45); Abdullah Tukur (22); and Yahaya Said (20). The suspects confessed that the products were acquired from Siddi Daki Takwas Filling Station in Danbaza, Maradun LGA, and were destined for Jangebe village in Talata-Mafara.

The Commandant stressed that the fuel was being transported without the required operating licence or clearance from the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, in violation of federal and state executive orders regulating the distribution of petroleum products.

He warned that illegal fuel dealings fuel insecurity in the state, noting that NSCDC under the leadership of its Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, remains committed to stamping out criminality.

“NSCDC has zero tolerance for criminal conspiracy, sabotage, and all unethical activities. Any suspect apprehended will undergo thorough investigation and, upon conclusion, will be arraigned before a competent court of law,” Mustapha declared.