Customs Intercepts 20,500 Litres of Smuggled Petrol, Seizes Vehicles

(Lucky Aliyu, Deputy Controller of Customs speaking during the public auctioning. Photo by Nigeria Tribune)

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

Addressing journalists 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 ₦38 million.

Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Aliyu said 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.

He noted that efforts have recently been 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.

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

According to him, operatives acting on credible intelligence successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of petrol to neighbouring countries, intercepting a total of 820 jerry-cans of 25 litres each, amounting to 20,500 litres.

The 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 them were also intercepted, with the combined Duty Paid Value of the seized products and vehicles estimated at ₦38 million.

He said the products up for auction had been seized through dedicated enforcement operations and reliable intelligence, and had been earmarked for illegal export to a neighbouring country in direct contravention of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products.

He described petroleum smuggling as a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security, noting that it deprives government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic supply chain, encourages artificial scarcity, fuels criminal enterprises, and undermines ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector, stressing that the Customs Service would continue to confront such activities with unwavering determination.

In line with legal provisions and its commitment to transparency, accountability and due process, he said the seized product was being disposed of through the public auction to ensure it is reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than diverted into illegal channels, adding that the exercise involved the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups and media representatives to guarantee transparency and integrity in the process.

Aliyu acknowledged the leadership and strategic guidance of the Office of the National Security Adviser under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, whose commitment to inter-agency cooperation he said had enhanced the operational effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind.

He also commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for its technical proficiency and regulatory oversight, and expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire management of the service for their leadership and support in strengthening the operation across all zones.

He further commended the officers and personnel of Operation Whirlwind and partner agencies for their professionalism and vigilance in making the interception possible.

He warned individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products that the operation remains intelligence-driven, proactive and uncompromising, stressing that efforts would continue to identify, intercept, investigate and dismantle smuggling networks operating within and around Nigeria’s borders.

He called on members of the public, especially residents of border communities, to continue supporting security agencies by providing accurate and timely information, describing the fight against smuggling as a shared responsibility.