A young man, identified as Yusif Bashir, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Jigawa State for allegedly stealing an ambulance from the Republic of Niger and attempting to smuggle it into Nigeria.
Confirming the incident to journalists in Dutse on Wednesday, the Jigawa State Comptroller of Immigration, Tahir Abdullahi Musa, said the suspect was intercepted while trying to cross the Babura border with a Toyota Land Cruiser ambulance bearing registration number ONG-0777.
According to the Comptroller, the operatives on duty became suspicious after observing the vehicle’s movements, prompting them to conduct a thorough check which led to the discovery that it had been reported stolen in Niger Republic.
“The suspect was intercepted with the stolen ambulance while entering Nigeria from Niger Republic through Babura,” Musa stated.
He disclosed that arrangements were already underway to hand both the suspect and the vehicle over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The Immigration Service is preparing to hand him over to the police for a thorough investigation,” he added.
Musa reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening border surveillance and enhancing inter-agency collaboration to tackle cross-border crimes, particularly vehicle theft and illegal migration.
He emphasised that the NIS remained resolute in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity while ensuring that the state remained safe for residents and travellers.
“The Service will continue to work closely with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property in the state,” the Comptroller assured.
The arrest underscores growing concerns over cross-border criminal activities along Nigeria’s northern corridors, prompting renewed calls for tighter surveillance and intelligence sharing among security agencies in the region.
