April 18, 2026
By SUNTV Global Channel
Operatives of the have intercepted a petrol tanker and thousands of jerry cans suspected to be part of a large-scale smuggling operation allegedly linked to insurgent activities along Nigeria’s border with .
The seizure was announced during a press briefing in , where officials disclosed that the operation uncovered a significant fuel supply route believed to be supplying criminal networks operating within the Lake Chad region.
According to the Deputy Comptroller, , the operation—carried out under “Operation Whirlwind”—resulted in the interception of 64,410 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stored in 2,550 jerry cans, alongside additional drums and transport vehicles.
In a separate operation, a DAF tanker carrying about 50,000 litres of petrol was intercepted along the Mubi–Uba road in the early hours of April 15.
Aliyu explained that within six weeks, customs operatives recorded 47 seizures across major smuggling routes in Adamawa State, including Mubi, Sahuda, Belel, Fufore, and Maiha.
He warned that the illegal trade is driven by the price gap between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, noting that petrol sells for about ₦1,330 per litre in Nigeria but exceeds ₦2,000 per litre in Cameroon, creating a lucrative black market.
“This is not just economic sabotage; these products could end up fueling insecurity,” he said.
Security experts have previously raised concerns that fuel smuggling networks may serve as supply chains for extremist groups such as , enabling their operations in remote border areas.
The Nigeria Customs Service said efforts are ongoing to dismantle the smuggling network, while the seized fuel will be auctioned publicly with proceeds remitted to the federal government.
Authorities have also called on citizens to support security agencies with credible information, stressing that tackling smuggling and its potential links to insecurity requires collective effort.
