The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully intercepted over 100 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, in a recent crackdown on cross-border smuggling.1 These operations, part of a broader effort to combat economic sabotage, took place in several states along Nigeria’s borders.2
Here’s a breakdown of the key interceptions:
- Adamawa State: Police border patrol operatives in Mubi intercepted a Toyota Starlet loaded with 60 jerrycans of petrol en route to Cameroon.3
- Benin Republic Border: An additional 43 jerrycans were seized from three motorcycles on a bush path linking Nigeria to the Benin Republic.4
- Katsina State: In Jibia, a motorcyclist abandoned a consignment of PMS after spotting a police patrol team, as he was attempting to smuggle the fuel into the Niger Republic.5 In a separate operation, police also seized 35 jerrycans of petrol.
- Taraba State: In Gembu, two fuel-laden trucks were recovered after smugglers fled from a hot pursuit by border patrol operatives.6
According to Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, these efforts are part of a sustained campaign against fuel smuggling, which has become a persistent issue since the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023.7 The significant price disparity between petrol in Nigeria and its neighboring countries has created a lucrative black market for smugglers.8
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has also been actively involved in similar operations.9 For instance, the NCS’s “Operation Whirlwind” has resulted in multiple large-scale seizures, including over 1,500 jerrycans in the Lagos and Ogun axis and nearly 200,000 liters in Adamawa State.10 These operations often involve collaboration with other security agencies to disrupt well-organized criminal networks.11
