By Gloria Attah
The Nigerian Navy says it has intensified efforts to curb cross-border fuel smuggling following the recovery of more than 6,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during an operation along the Badagry-Ajara axis of Lagos State.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry after intelligence reports revealed the activities of suspected fuel smugglers operating within the area.
Folorunsho said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by the Navy to disrupt illegal fuel trafficking routes and prevent the movement of petroleum products through unauthorised border corridors.
“During the operation, naval personnel discovered about 240 jerrycans of 25 litres each of PMS concealed and prepared for illegal movement through the Badagry border waterways,” the statement read.
The Navy added that the seized petroleum products were evacuated to FOB Badagry for further action in line with established procedures.
The service noted that the operation underscores its sustained campaign against trans-border smuggling activities, particularly the illegal diversion of petroleum products through maritime and littoral routes.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to maintaining operational pressure across strategic border corridors and denying criminal networks the freedom to exploit the maritime environment for economic sabotage,” Folorunsho stated.
Fuel smuggling has remained a major challenge in Nigeria’s border communities, especially in areas surrounding Badagry, where smugglers often exploit waterways and porous routes to transport petroleum products illegally into neighbouring countries. Authorities say the practice contributes to economic losses and undermines government efforts to regulate fuel distribution nationwide.
