Security experts have linked the interception of 43,750 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to increased insecurity in Kwara State, citing fuel smuggling as a contributing factor.
Recall that the Nigeria Customs Service officials intercepted 43750 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Niger/Kwara axis.
National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller, Abubakar Aliyu disclosed that the seizure was carried out in response to credible intelligence aimed at disrupting illicit petroleum distribution networks.
Aliyu stated that the operation resulted in the seizure of 1,510 jerry-cans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres, for a total volume of 43,750 liters and an estimated duty paid value of N43.75 million.
According to Aliyu, the products were intercepted at numerous flashpoints, including Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu, and Salla-Gwanara, which have been identified as active smuggling routes.
Abayomi Samson, a criminologist, told WITHIN NIGERIA that petrol smuggling fuels unrest and poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
Samson argued that those who smuggle fuel are crime enablers who help or allow the black market economy to develop.
While expressing shock at the discovery of 43,750 litres by customs authorities, he urged security forces to step up efforts to eliminate fuel-smuggling networks throughout border areas.
Fisayo Adelakun, a security specialist, told WITHIN NIGERIA that petrol is smuggled out of Nigeria because it is cheaper than in Benin and Cameroon.
Adelakun informed WITHIN NIGERIA that a litre of petrol costs ₦1,680.32 in Benin Republic and ₦2,030.89 in Cameroon.
According to Adelakun, cheaper petrol in Nigeria encouraged fuel smuggling, which likely contributed to increased insecurity in Kwara towns.
Adelakun, who raised concern over fuel smuggling, argued that when fuel is trafficked, it depletes legitimate economic activity while fueling illicit ones such as violent conflicts.
He urged security authorities, particularly the police and DSS, to investigate the interception and apprehend all perpetrators, including their financial benefactors.
Sola Adetuberu told WITHIN NIGERIA that he believes many thousand litres would have eluded the watchful eyes of officials following the interception of 43,750 litres.
Adetuberu, while lamenting Nigeria’s vulnerable borders, revealed that surrounding towns and countries are remote, forested, difficult to police, frail, weak, and insecure.
He claimed that fuel smuggling empowers non-state actors because it is necessary for mobility.
According to the Ogun-born security specialist, bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists require petrol for motorcycles and automobiles, and illegal fuel keeps them running.
He went on to argue that collecting 43,718 gallons of petrol in Kwara is more than simply a customs victory; it is evidence that gasoline smuggling serves as a finance funnel for insecurity, leverages border weaknesses, and exacerbates economic misery, all of which can drive recruitment into criminal groups.
