The government of Cabinda province in Angola has launched a crackdown on fuel smuggling, seizing hundreds of vehicles with altered fuel tanks and detaining several key figures in the smuggling rings. The operation, dubbed "Stop Pambala," aims to restore normalcy to fuel distribution and combat smuggling in the region. According to the government, the province has been experiencing a shortage of fuel, prompting the authorities to take action.
The operation, led by Governor Suzana Abreu, involved the participation of defense and security organs. During the operation, authorities identified numerous fuel storage facilities and vehicles with altered tanks, as well as large quantities of fuel stored in jerry cans. Several managers of fuel storage facilities were also identified as being complicit in the smuggling scheme. The government had previously met with fuel storage facility owners to educate them on the issue and encourage their cooperation in combating fuel smuggling.
Despite these efforts, some facility owners have continued to flout regulations, leading to the current crackdown. The government has announced that those found to be involved in fuel smuggling will face criminal charges. The vehicles seized and smugglers detained will be presented to the Public Prosecution Service for prosecution. The authorities are working to determine the extent of the smuggling network and identify all those involved.
The "Stop Pambala" campaign will be conducted daily and without prior notice to fuel storage facility owners. The government has expressed concern about the impact of fuel smuggling on the province, including the shortage of fuel. By taking action against smugglers and complicit facility owners, the authorities hope to restore normalcy to fuel distribution and ensure a stable supply of fuel to residents.
According to the government, the fuel smuggling problem in Cabinda has been ongoing for some time. The authorities have been working to address the issue, including through the "Stop Pambala" campaign. The campaign is part of a broader effort to combat fuel smuggling and ensure that fuel is distributed fairly and transparently. The government has called on residents to report any suspicious activity related to fuel smuggling.
Fernando Calueto reported on the operation, which took place on November 4, 2026. The government has not provided an estimate of the quantity of fuel seized or the number of people detained. However, it has confirmed that the operation was successful in disrupting the fuel smuggling network and that those involved will face consequences.
The authorities in Cabinda are continuing to investigate the fuel smuggling network and identify those involved. The government has pledged to take a firm stance against fuel smuggling and to work to ensure that fuel is distributed fairly and transparently. The "Stop Pambala" campaign is expected to continue in the coming days and weeks.
Key points
- Authorities in Cabinda province have seized hundreds of vehicles with altered fuel tanks and detained several key figures in fuel smuggling rings.
- The "Stop Pambala" campaign aims to restore normalcy to fuel distribution and combat smuggling in the region.
- Those found to be involved in fuel smuggling will face criminal charges.
