Customs intercepts 20,500 litres of petrol worth N38m in Ogun, Lagos border

The Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday announced the interception of 20,500 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry.

Addressing journalists Customs in Lagos on Monday during the public auction of seized products, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, explained that the value of the intercepted petrol alongside five vehicles stood at N38 million.

According to the Customs Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, “It is a great privilege to address you today on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at this significant public auction of 20,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted by Operation Whirlwind within the Zone A axis and its environs.

“The Nigeria Customs Service continues to uphold its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation’s economy, protecting vital assets, and tackling all forms of smuggling and economic sabotage.

“Recently, efforts have been significantly intensified through improved surveillance, stronger intelligence operations, and more robust enforcement activities along major routes identified for the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.

“Operation Whirlwind was established as a strategic national initiative to combat the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.

“The operation is designed to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security, preserve government revenue, and ensure that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption reach legitimate end users without unlawful diversion.

“Acting based on credible intelligence, our operatives successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries. During this operation, a total of 820 jerry-cans of 25 litres each were intercepted, amounting to 20,500 litres.

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“These seizures were made across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry.

“In addition to the seized petroleum products, five vehicles used in conveying the products were also intercepted. The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized PMS and the vehicles is estimated at ₦38,000,000.

“The seized PMS products up for auction today were seized through dedicated enforcement operations and reliable intelligence. They had been earmarked for illegal export to a neighbouring country in direct contravention of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products.

“Petroleum smuggling remains a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security. It deprives the government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic supply chain, encourages artificial scarcity, fuels criminal enterprises, and undermines the gains of ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector. The Nigeria Customs Service will therefore continue to confront these criminal activities with unwavering determination.

“In line with legal provisions and our commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, the seized PMS is being disposed of through this public auction. This ensures that the products are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than being diverted into illegal channels.

“This auction is being carried out with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives to guarantee transparency, accountability, and integrity in the disposal process.

“We acknowledge the invaluable leadership and strategic guidance of the Office of the National Security Adviser, under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, whose unwavering commitment to inter-agency cooperation has greatly enhanced the operational effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind.

“We also applaud the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its technical proficiency and regulatory oversight, which help ensure that enforcement measures adhere to best practices while effectively addressing weaknesses in the distribution network.

“Furthermore, our profound appreciation equally goes to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their exceptional leadership, steadfast support, and commitment to providing the resources and policy direction that continue to strengthen Operation Whirlwind across all operational zones.

“I also salute the dedicated officers and personnel of Operation Whirlwind, along with our partner agencies. Their professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment have made this interception possible and continue to thwart the efforts of smugglers and economic saboteurs.

“Let this exercise serve as a clear warning to all individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products. Operation Whirlwind remains intelligence-driven, proactive, and uncompromising in its resolve. We shall continue to identify, intercept, investigate, and dismantle all smuggling networks operating within and around our borders.

“We call on members of the public, especially residents of border communities, to keep supporting security agencies by providing accurate and timely information. Combating smuggling is a shared responsibility, and your cooperation is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.”