Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted over 6,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, during a targeted anti‑smuggling operation along the Badagry‑Ajara axis in Lagos State. The seizure was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry following intelligence reports on the activities of smugglers operating within the area, the Navy announced on Wednesday.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, naval personnel discovered about 240 jerry‑cans of 25 litres each, totalling approximately 6,000 litres of PMS, concealed and prepared for illegal movement through the Badagry border waterways. The products were subsequently recovered and evacuated to FOB Badagry for further necessary action in accordance with established procedures.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal fuel trafficking routes and restrict the movement of petroleum products through unauthorised border corridors. “The mission formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal fuel trafficking routes and restrict the movement of petroleum products through unauthorised border corridors,” Captain Folorunsho said. “The operation highlights the Nigerian Navy’s sustained focus on dismantling the logistics chain supporting trans‑border smuggling activities, particularly the illegal diversion of petroleum products through maritime and littoral routes.”
Captain Folorunsho also reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to maintaining operational pressure across strategic border corridors, stating that the Service would continue to deny criminal networks the freedom to exploit the maritime environment for economic sabotage. The latest interception comes amid heightened efforts by the Navy to curb cross‑border fuel smuggling, which has remained a persistent challenge despite government subsidies and price differentials between Nigeria and neighbouring countries. The Badagry axis shares a porous border with the Republic of Benin, making it a prime route for smugglers attempting to move subsidised fuel out of Nigeria.
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its anti‑smuggling operations in recent months, deploying patrol teams and surveillance assets along the nation’s coastal and inland waterways.
The seizure of over 6,000 litres of petrol in Badagry represents a significant blow to smuggling networks operating in the Lagos‑Benin corridor. No arrests were reported in connection with the latest operation, as the smugglers reportedly fled the scene before naval personnel arrived. However, the Navy has stated that investigations are ongoing and that efforts to track down the perpetrators are being intensified.
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