The Katsina state Special Task Force committee on smuggling, hoarding of grains, control of prices of essential commodities and insurgency related issues has shut down four fuel stations alleged to be selling fuel to bandits in the state.
Most of the stations were also found out to be selling fuel at N733, N715 and N730 per liter respectively above the officially approved pump price.
The stations are located along Shinkafi/Jibia axis of the state.
The chairman of the Special Taskforce Committee, Alhaji Jabiru Abdullah Tsauri made the disclosure to newsmen in Katsina.
He clarified that part of the duties of the committee is to arrest, detain and prosecute those found to be aiding crime and criminal activities.
Tsauri also disclosed that ten suspects were arrested during a state wide raid by members of the task force.
According to him, those arrested will be thoroughly investigated,adding that those found to be selling fuel to the bandits and their collaborators will face the wrath of the law.
He explained “This task force is also concerned about smuggling and hoarding of grains and insurgency-related issues.
“All these stations have been sealed and the suspects selling the fuel in jerry cans have been arrested and are going to be investigated and if found wanting, will be punished according to the law. This inspection is statewide.
“This task force is also concerned about smuggling and hoarding of grains and insurgency-related issues
“Today, we are out and visited four filling stations suspected to be smuggling fuel to insurgents. This outing followed an in-depth investigation we conducted, and criminals will be punished accordingly.”
Tsauri assured Katsina residents that the taskforce will continue to arrest and seal any fuel station suspected to be smuggling petroleum product in the state.