The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted 39,425 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly known as petrol, during a targeted operation along the Lagos-Ogun border axis.
The seizures were part of Operation Whirlwind, a special task force launched to combat fuel smuggling and economic sabotage in Nigeria’s border regions.
The interception, valued at ₦39.4 million, included 1,577 jerrycans of 25 litres each and eight vehicles used for transporting the smuggled fuel. The duty paid value of the vehicles was estimated at ₦24 million, bringing the total seizure to ₦63.4 million.
Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibunu, revealed the figures during a press conference at the Federal Operations Unit in Ikeja, Lagos on Friday.
The briefing also featured representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
“This seizure is a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to tackle fuel smuggling. We remain resolute in our mission to safeguard the economy and enforce government policies,” Adeniyi said.
He disclosed that similar seizures had recently occurred in Yola, Adamawa State, where over 46,000 litres of PMS were confiscated and auctioned. In Lagos and Ogun, the recent seizures were made in notorious smuggling flashpoints such as Imeko, Laro, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete.
According to Adeniyi, investigations confirmed the seized petrol was destined for illegal export to the Republic of Benin, bypassing government control and depriving Nigerians of subsidized fuel.
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The Customs boss directed that the seized fuel be auctioned directly to the public at a subsidized rate of ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan, emphasizing transparency and public benefit.
Also speaking at the briefing, Comptroller Charles Orbih, Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to fighting economic sabotage. “Every litre smuggled is a litre denied to the Nigerian people. It causes scarcity, market disruption, and revenue loss,” Orbih said.
Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, FOU Zone A, credited the success to coordination between NCS units and partner agencies. He noted that since Operation Whirlwind’s inception in 2025, no live ammunition has been discharged, and four suspects are currently facing prosecution.
Mr. Patrick Musa, representing NMDPRA, praised Customs for demonstrating professionalism and reinforcing national security. He assured that NMDPRA would continue to work with Customs and other agencies to monitor fuel distribution and prevent leakages across borders.
From the Office of the Attorney General, Mrs. Abidemi Aluko emphasized that petrol smuggling is a serious offence under Nigerian law, carrying penalties such as life imprisonment, hefty fines, and forfeiture of transport vehicles. She affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to pursuing justice in all related cases.
“This is not business as usual. The suspects are under investigation, and prosecutions are underway,” she said.
ACG Kola Oladeji concluded the session by urging officers to remain vigilant and committed. “This operation is a reflection of Customs’ capacity to protect Nigeria’s borders and secure its economy,” he added.
The seizure has been widely lauded as a successful example of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against fuel smuggling, a long-standing issue that continues to undermine Nigeria’s economy and energy security.
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