In a significant crackdown on fuel smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, valued at ₦58.36 million across key border communities in Lagos and Ogun States.
The seizure, which was made by the Special Enforcement Team codenamed Operation Whirlwind, was announced on Monday by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a press briefing in Lagos.
According to Adeniyi, the intercepted petroleum products—totaling 35,535 litres—were discovered over a span of two to three weeks, based on credible intelligence. The items were recovered from notorious smuggling routes including Ajilete, Ijoun, Ilaro, Badagry, Owode Idiroko, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko—all of which are known flashpoints for fuel smuggling into the Republic of Benin.
In total, the operation led to the seizure of 1,134 jerricans of PMS in 25 and 30-litre capacities, 33 drums of PMS, and six vehicles used for transportation of the products. The total duty paid value (DPV) of the seizures was put at ₦58,360,000.
“These arrests and seizures underscore the strategic efficiency and operational dexterity of our anti-smuggling units,” Adeniyi said. “They reflect our commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and protecting national energy security.”
Represented by the Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Hussein Ejibunu, the Customs boss raised concerns over the threat that smuggling poses to Nigeria’s fuel supply chain and revenue base, particularly at a time when the country is facing severe energy distribution challenges.
He praised the operatives of Operation Whirlwind for their gallantry and professionalism and called on residents of border communities to cooperate by sharing credible information that would aid enforcement efforts.
Adeniyi also extended appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and other patriotic Nigerians for their collaboration in tackling economic sabotage.
“The Nigeria Customs Service will not relent. Together, we can build a safer and more economically stable Nigeria,” he concluded.
Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller FOU Zone A, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, one of the top officials overseeing operations in the zone, provided further insight into the handling of seized items and the ongoing investigation.
He stated that the intercepted products had been deposited in the designated government facilities, while residual notices had been issued to claimants of the goods.
Shuaibu emphasized the importance of due process, saying, “We always look at the situation where it is better to wrongly release 100 offenders than punish one innocent person. We must investigate thoroughly.”
He clarified that officers found complicit, based on evidence and intelligence-driven assessments, would be dealt with accordingly. “We use intelligence-led operations, not just roadside information. If a container is flagged, even while still at the port, we coordinate with relevant area controllers and act based on the risk engine assessment,” he added.
Shuaibu affirmed that any findings from investigations would be transmitted to Customs headquarters for appropriate disciplinary actions, ensuring that the integrity of the service is upheld.
The recent success of Operation Whirlwind highlights Customs’ intensified war against fuel smuggling and its renewed drive for operational accountability in safeguarding national resources.
Customs Intercepts Smuggled Petroleum Products Worth ₦58.3 Million In Lagos, Ogun Border Axis
