Law enforcement officials in the Ohangwena Region are facing an uphill battle in their efforts to curb the increasing rates of illegal fuel smuggling at the Oshikango border and surrounding villages.

nbc's reporter Ndapanda Shuuya and cameraman Eddy Eneas visited Oshikango.

The border fence between Namibia and Angola is characterised by numerous holes that facilitate unrestricted and illegal border crossing.

The surge in fuel prices in Namibia has contributed to the growth of illegal fuel trading, aggravating the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies.

The smuggling of fuel at the Oshikango border is under control, at least for now, since the launch of the operation dubbed "Stop illegal smuggling and other contrabands."

The initiative is a joint operation between Namibia and Angola that was launched at the common border and is spearheaded by NamPol Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo.

The operation, launched at the regional level, will be intensified from both sides with the aim of preventing cross-border crimes, which have been on the increase.