The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has identified the relatively low price of petrol in Nigeria as the primary factor driving smuggling activities to neighboring countries.

Speaking at a press briefing in Yola on Friday, NMDPRA Chief Executive Farouk Ahmed explained that the price disparity makes illegal fuel diversion a lucrative venture for smugglers despite enforcement efforts.

The statement came during an announcement by the Nigeria Customs Service's (NCS) Operation Whirlwind, which reported additional seizures of petrol packaged for smuggling from Adamawa State to neighboring countries, particularly Cameroon.

Dr. Bashir Sirajo, Adamawa State Coordinator of NMDPRA, confirmed that significant volumes of petrol designated for locations within Adamawa State are frequently being diverted by smugglers.

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Husssaini Ejibunu, detailed the operation's achievements over the past five weeks in Adamawa State, revealing seizures with an aggregate duty-paid value of N63,046,750.

"We have seized 1,959 25-litre jerry cans, equivalent to 48,975 litres of petrol, along with five vehicles—three cars and two pickups—that were being used to transport the smuggled fuel," Ejibunu stated.

This latest operation follows a previous announcement on May 21, 2025, when the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the NCS reported the confiscation of over 36,000 litres of petrol allegedly being transported from Adamawa and Taraba States toward Cameroon.

Ejibunu emphasized the operation's commitment to securing Nigeria's borders against smuggling activities. "We are resolved more than ever before to give smugglers a tough fight," he declared, assuring that Operation Whirlwind has mechanisms in place to ensure Nigeria's borderlines remain secure.

The persistent challenge of fuel smuggling continues to affect Nigeria's domestic fuel supply and economy, with authorities stepping up efforts to combat the illegal trade across the country's porous borders.