By Sabiu Abdullahi
Security operatives have arrested two men suspected of supplying fuel to bandits who operate in parts of Bauchi State.
The arrest took place in neighbouring Gombe State during a security operation. Information about the incident appeared in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Thursday.
Makama said security personnel carried out the operation on Wednesday at about 4:30 a.m. Officers conducted a stop-and-search exercise along the Kashere–Futuk Road in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
He explained that the action followed intelligence about how armed groups in Bauchi obtain fuel from Gombe.
“The operation followed intelligence reports indicating that bandits terrorising parts of Bauchi were sourcing fuel from Gombe,” Makama wrote.
During the exercise, security operatives stopped a red-tinted Golf 3 vehicle with registration number GME 221 XA. The car carried 29 jerrycans filled with Premium Motor Spirit, also known as PMS.
Makama added that the driver managed to escape.
“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 inside the vehicle did not escape. Security agents arrested them at the scene. Authorities identified them as Bello Abdullahi, 52, and Sulaiman Musa, 40. Both men come from Futuk Village in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The suspects told investigators that they bought the fuel in Billiri town in Gombe State.
Police officers seized the vehicle and the 29 jerrycans as exhibits. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine whether the suspects supplied fuel to criminal groups.
Security agencies also continue efforts to capture the driver who escaped and to uncover other members of the suspected supply network.
